Pirelli tests in the night

Less than 15 days before the first pre-season tests in Valencia, Pirelli continues to grind the asphalt with the Toyota TF109 to provide competitors with the best tires for 2011. Currently, the Italian tire manufacturer is in Abu Dhabi with Pedro de la Rosa. On the Yas Marina route, the Spaniard was responsible for finalizing the rain and mixed tires.

Last Monday, the former Sauber driver found himself driving on grooved tires on a wet track at night: A great first in Formula 1.

The 5,55 km track was heavily wet for this “midnight session”, which started at 18 p.m. local time.

“This is a unique opportunity to see a Formula 1 car on the track at night, on a wet and hot tarmac, in a brightly lit setting, explains Paul Hembery, Pirelli F1 Director. We decided to do this because we want to test our rain tires in the most delicate conditions. And who knows, maybe this will spark ideas for a future Grand Prix.”

This test in Abu Dhabi is the last in a series of nine sessions that began last August. Nick Heidfled, Romain Grosjean and Pedro de la Rosa will have finally covered more than 13 km on various circuits.

« These tests allowed us to glean valuable information to finalize the development of Formula 1 tires, continues Hembery. It has been seven months since we started developing our tires. We are very satisfied with the results. »

It remains to be seen how the teams will manage this change of tire manufacturer. First elements of response in Valencia from February 1 to 3.