“To permit a more equitable distribution of tyre testing”- F1 to boost the testing of 18-inch tyres in 2021, as the pandemic shortened scope in 2020.
As a part of newly introduced regulations, the tyres which were supposed to be introduced in 2021 were pushed back to 2022, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic also halted several Pirelli’s plans to do continuous tests on the 18-inch tyres ahead of its erstwhile release year. Thus, with the postponement of several regulations to 2022, it also allowed Pirelli to defer its release.
Therefore, FIA, Formula 1 and 10 teams with a unanimous decision have allowed an increase in the number of test sessions for new-sized tyres in 2021.
An 18-inch tyre testing calendar for this year has not yet been presented. Still, the Italian marque’s original 2020 schedule had already started this time last year with a Ferrari outing at Jerez.
A statement from F1 reads: “In order to permit a more equitable distribution of tyre testing during 2021, and taking into consideration the challenges presented to this programme due to the move to 18” tyres and the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
“The FIA, following Pirelli’s request, proposed increasing the number test days allocated for such purpose from 25 to 30. This proposal was accepted unanimously.”
Other key decisions were also made.
While the F1 fraternity zeroes down on this decision, other critical choices were also made, the most crucial one was the engine freeze, which Red Bull proposed last year, and now has been approved by the governing bodies.
Moreover, key objectives for the power unit 2025 were also made, while keeping in mind sustainable energy and the pledge FIA has taken in adherence with the Paris Agreement.
The key objectives for the 2025 Power Unit are:
- Environmental Sustainability and social and automotive relevance
- Fully sustainable fuel
- Creating a powerful and emotive Power Unit
- Significant cost reduction
- Attractiveness to new Power Unit manufacturers
