F1 specs wider tires for 2017-19 seasons

MONTE CARLO (May 31, 2016) – The Formula 1 regulations for 2017 calling for higher aerodynamic downforce will require Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. to build wider tires, although the rim diameter will stay at 13 inches, Pirelli said at a press conference prior to the May 29 Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

The new spec tires will be nearly 25 percent wide — front tire, 305/670-13, up from 245mm and rear tire, 405/670-13, up from 325mm — and weigh up to two to three pounds more, respectively, than the 2016-spec tires, Pirelli said. The tire maker also will re-engineer the tires' structure to handle the increased downforce loading.

Pirelli did not say how much it expects the development of the new dimensions will cost, but did say it's requesting with 2012, 2013 or 2014-specification cars, using tires in the current size but with prototype elements (in the constructions or compounds) to prepare for 2017 and a 25 days of testing with modified cars, using prototype tires in 2017 size.

Testing with the 2017-spec sizes will start in early August, according to a program that has been agreed with the participating teams.

Pirelli said the technical change will affect the balance and aesthetics of the cars next year, which the first year of Pirelli's latest three-year agreement in Formula 1.

The Italian tire maker also noted that the new tires' contact patch will be optimized not just in terms of size, but also shape.

Interesting to note: Formula 1 sanctioning body Federation International de l'Automobile (FIA) is sticking with the 13-inch rim diameter that's been the standard spec for the past several decades, despite Pirelli's pitching a change to low-profile tires on 18-inch rims.

Pirelli noted that the decision to allow more aerodynamic downforce was grounded in the FIA's desire for faster lap times. Wider tires also will help with higher cornering speeds through improved lateral grip and improved acceleration and braking, but the wider profile will present some aerodynamic disadvantage.

Pirelli has produced a video explaining the changes.