Grosjean not excited by the 2020 Pirelli tires

It's been weeks now since doubt hovers over the 2020 Pirelli tires. 

First of all, let's remember that the Italian manufacturer's roadmap was changed in the middle of the season, after the discontent at the Austrian GP regarding the 2019 tires, which did not make the task of the Milanese manufacturer any easier. 

An additional private test session was added at the beginning of October before all teams could show off the 2020 envelopes during free practice for the United States Grand Prix. The Austin verdict was hardly conclusive, with some even calling to keep the 2019 tires. 

Mario Isola, motorsport manager at Pirelli, then explained that the temperatures encountered in Texas were too low to get a real idea of ​​the potential of his new products. In addition, the teams, caught up in their weekend of competition, had not optimized their settings for these new tires. 

The Abu Dhabi runs are therefore of particular importance. On the evening of the first day of testing, only one holder 2019, Romain Grosjean, spoke to the press about the 2020 tires. And his comments do not invite optimism. 

« We know the performance of our car and anyway we weren't in the mood to chase the time, said the pilot Haas, author of the 5th time, more than 2'4 behind the benchmark set by Valtteri Bottas. 

We were more there to compare the 2019 and 2020 tires, to see what the strengths and weaknesses of the new compounds are. We focused on that by adjusting the settings. There are differences between the two architectures ». 

Relaunched to find out if the 2020 tires were better or less efficient than their predecessors, the Frenchman was not far from kicking in before saying a little more.   

« Ils are different, he retorted. There are positive and negative lessons. There are big changes. We have to study the data. Degradation was better on certain compounds. It also helps to have lower pressures. But that's not the dream either.

If you ask me if I'm delighted with the new tires, if they will solve the problems of degradation in the wake of another car, I will tell you the truth: no, it will not eradicate the problem completely ». 

Grosjean clarified that he did not notice a difference between his feelings in Austin and those in Abu Dhabi, and this while it is naturally warmer in the United Arab Emirates and his Haas was prepared accordingly. So should we switch to 2020 tires or keep the 2019 rubbers? 

« It's too early to say, but there shouldn't be any debate., replied Grosjean. Today, I don't know and I would tell you that it depends on the circuit. After a year of development, you should want to roll with the 2020 wraps without a shadow of a doubt ». 

The Pirelli tests conclude this Wednesday. A vote by the teams could then take place to decide between 2019 and 2020 tires, unless the FIA ​​imposes a decision for safety reasons.