Pirelli’s 2020 prototype tyres could be used at grands prix towards the end of the current campaign, according to the company’s Head of Car Racing Mario Isola.
Leading Formula 1 representatives met at the Austrian Grand Prix to discuss reverting to 2018-spec tyres in a bid to enhance the spectacle, but this notion did not receive the required votes.
It is understood that several other options were discussed during the meeting, including using Pirelli’s 2020 prototype tyres in races towards the end of the current campaign.
Pirelli is set to conclude private testing of its 2020 prototypes in the coming months as the company shifts its focus to 2021, with the first 18-inch tests set to begin in September.
“It is possible [to use 2020 prototypes] because the current regulations allow us to do that,” said Isola.
“So we can supply two additional sets of prototype tyres for evaluation during Friday.
“And there was also the discussion to slightly change the regulations to understand if different tyres can be used during the race weekend, not just in free practice.
“This is, as I said, a completely new idea and it has to be evaluated and discussed and the FIA should come with a wording to propose but we are open to evaluate that and we will continue our development tests.
“But if we also have the opportunity it is a good opportunity to test the product for next year during the season.”
Isola confirmed that Pirelli’s primary aims regarding its 2020 tyres is to have a wider working range and to reduce overheating.
“The current cars are really faster and faster, so that means they are putting more energy into the tyres,” said Isola.
“We have to cope with this energy and all the modification of the construction is to make them work better, and the compounds to have a wider working range and no issues with the aero map, and no blisters and overheating.
“Obviously the target is always to reduce overheating because it’s something the tyres don’t like, so I would say the two main targets are keeping that… safety is a target that is always there, we cannot consider a tyre that is not safe for Formula 1.
“The targets are to have a wider working range and less overheating for next year.”
