Andy Green talks about the 2017 single-seaters

With revised aerodynamics and wider Pirelli tires, the performance of the 2017 single-seaters should be up. If the pilots are eagerly awaiting their future mounts, impatience is also strong among the engineers.

For several weeks, the technical divisions of the teams have been working on the 2017 projects which are at a more or less advanced stage. Several teams have in fact already shifted the majority of their resources to the next single-seaters.

Interrogates by Auto Motor und Sport, Andy Green, Force India technical director, spoke about the possibilities offered by the new regulations. “I expect an increase of 20 to 25% in downforce at the start of the season. And at the end of the 2017 season, it will be even more. I guess around 30-35%. This is one of the biggest steps forward I have ever experienced. » comments Green.

If the technician from Vijay Mallya's team suggests that top speeds will be lower compared to 2016, the speeds in certain curves should significantly increase. “The series of curves in sector 2 in Hungary should pass much faster. In very tight corners too, because the wider tires give more mechanical grip and the weight transfer is reduced. I assume lap times will drop at the Hungaroring by 3-4 seconds. »

In order to better understand the new features of the technical regulations in force from 2017, Pirelli begins testing with Ferrari and Red Bull the day after the German Grand Prix. Mercedes will be used after the summer break.