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F1: Pirelli to supply 'extra hard' tire for Turkish Grand Prix

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli is working on a fifth tyre compound to use in 2011.

Photo: Pirelli

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that the 'extra hard' compound is designed initially to cope with the additional demands of Turkey's famous Turn 8 in May.

Until now, Pirelli has provided only 'hard', 'medium', 'soft' and 'super soft' compounds to teams, amid criticisms of extreme degradation.

The German report on Thursday said teams would test the new ‘extra hard’ compound during Friday practice for the Malaysian grand prix next month.

The soft and hard compounds will be provided to teams at the first few races this season.

During a meeting with F1 teams and drivers at Barcelona this week, the issue of tyres was reportedly discussed at length with the FIA's Charlie Whiting.

Whiting reportedly said his discussions with Pirelli have made clear there will be three pit stops per driver at most grands prix this year.

But during a race simulation in Barcelona this week, Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi stopped four times.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
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