Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli announced that it will test its new 2012 Formula 1 tires using a Renault R30, 2010-spec car.
Until just a few months ago,
Pirelli used as Toyota TF109 to test its tires. But the technical rules, engine characteristics and aerodynamic loads have changed so much since that the Toyota had become obsolete.
In January, Kimi Raikkonen drive a Renault R30 in Valencia to prepare its comeback. That car was chosen by Pirelli to test the new breed of tires.
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| Kimi Raikkonen aboard the 2010 R30 Renault. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team) |
Pirelli said that in order to ensure testing is conducted in an impartial manner, the car will be run by staff who are not connected to a current F1 team. The car will use a black Pirelli livery.
“Our new test car will be running to current fuel regulations, with no refuelling, so we will be able to simulate a full race distance and the change in balance with the car and tires,” said Paul Hembery, motorsport director at Pirelli.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Toyota, who have given us exceptional support as we developed our range of tires for 2011 and 2012. They have played a significant part in our achievements in F1 to date, and now we look forward to building on this in the future with a new range of tires'” Hembery added.
