Pirelli presented its 2013 Formula 1 tyre range on Wednesday, with the Italian manufacturer holding a pre-season press conference in Milan. The new construction process is aimed at producing 'at least two pit stops per race' and creating a minimum performance gap of half a second between each compound.
Described as a 'completely revolutionised' P Zero range, which again includes six compounds, the new rubber is softer in a bid to increase overall performance as well as thermal degradation. The heat created will also be spread more evenly over the tyre face this season, therefore reducing blisters and inconsistent wear rates.
In addition, the company has made significant changes to its Hard tyre, which is now banded in orange instead of silver. Its performance level is closer to last year's Medium tyre to reduce the possibility of one-stop race strategies, an aspect which Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery has been eager to influence in 2013.
"The 2013 season continues the philosophy adopted by Pirelli last year in evolving the original 2011 range of Formula 1 tyres," said Hembery. "The goal is to continuously set new challenges for the drivers and to ensure that all the teams start the new season on a level playing field when it comes to the tyres. Our 2013 range of tyres mixes up the cards to help overtaking and ensure two to three pit stops per race."
As a result of the various design changes, the tyres will be 2kg heavier in 2013, with the minimum car weight therefore being increased from 640 to 642kg. The drivers will each be given 11 sets of dry tyres at a Grand Prix weekend, made up of six sets of the harder and five sets of the softer compound. In total, Pirelli will ship around 1,800 tyres to every race on the Formula 1 calendar, which this year features 20 events.
The 2013 tyres will be colour-banded as follows:
Hard - Orange
Medium - White
Soft - Yellow
Super Soft - Red
Intermediate - Green
Wet - Blue
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