In Abu Dhabi, the drivers were able to try out the new Pirelli tires for the Formula 1 season 2021 on Friday. The last feedback was in Bahrain pretty negative for the manufacturer out. The biggest point of criticism: lack of grip.
But Pirelli wasn’t even interested in a faster tire with a view to 2021. “We know that the tire was made for increased safety,” says Ferrari sports director Laurent Mekies. “We all want safety, we all want to push as hard as possible without having to worry about the safety of the tires. I think Pirelli did it.”
“Yes, it has less grip and we don’t like that, but if that’s the price we have to pay, then that’s okay, I think,” Mekies continued.
In addition to the lower grip, the teams have also recognized another phenomenon: “The tire comes with a balance shift in the curve. That is quite tricky,” said the Ferrari man. “That will give us a bit of a headache in winter to see how best to deal with it.”
For Mekies this can be something positive for sport in the coming year: “There will be a new balance of power or at least a new parameter in it.”
With images from Motorsport Images.
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