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After Expensive Days of Post Season Testing, F1 Teams Have Rejected 2020 Tire Compounds

Published 12/10/2019, 2:27 PM EST

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After extensive testing after the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, it was all finally for nought. As it turns out, F1 will be running 2019-specification Pirelli rubber for the 2020 season. Unfortunately, the 2020-spec was unanimously panned by all 10 F1 teams, so they were rejected.

The primary objective of the prototype 2020 spec was to prolong the life of the tyres and help create better strategies in the process. They debuted during the free practice session in Austin, but not many drivers were particularly thrilled.

So, in such an eventuality, it was proposed that F1 remain with the current year’s tyres. However, this decision needed at least a 70 percent majority vote, according to item 12.6.1 of the F1 technical regulations.

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Pirelli confessed that they were satisfied with the decision, however they hoped that the two-day post-season test in Abu Dhabi would yield a positive response.

Sadly for the tyre manufacturer, GPDA director and Haas F1 driver, Romain Grosjean was unmoved. In other words, the FIA has now confirmed a “unanimous decision” has been taken to stick with the 2019 spec.

“The FIA would like to thank both Pirelli and all the teams for their work and collaboration to improve the tyres for the 2020 season and beyond,” said an FIA statement on the matter.

“In any case, the lessons leant will be invaluable for the further improvement of the tyres in the future.”

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In their own statement, Pirelli revealed that teams will have no need to modify their 2020 car designs. Had the 2020-spec tyres been approved, it would have been necessary to accommodate the different profile of the 2020 tyre construction.

“This will now allow the teams to continue the development of their 2020 cars – which are already at an advanced stage – uninterrupted.”

“The use of the 2019 tyres also guarantees the teams stability, with the advantage of using a well-known product during the final season of the current regulations.”

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Admittedly, Pirelli insisted that their work on the 2020 spec tyres will not go to waste at all. Instead, all of the Pirelli workers’ efforts will be integrated into the development of the 18-inch tyres that will debut in 2021.

via Imago

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Dhruv George

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Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports, having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR, Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1 driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino.
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