F1, Pirelli to test 18-inch tires later this year in advance of 2021 rules

Later this year, Pirelli will start development of the larger, lower profile Formula 1 tires to be used alongside the 2021 rules package.

Despite competition from tire manufacturer Hankook, Pirelli last year won the FIA tender to keep supplying the only make of tires to F1 teams for the 2020-2023 period. The league will go from 13-inch tires to 18-inch tires with lower profiles.

SpeedWeek reports that Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola has stated in Milan that while testing for 2020 will take precedence in the first half of this year, that focus will change in the second half.

"Starting in July, the Italian company will start preparing for 2021," the report said.

The move to 18-inch tires has been controversial, but Renault technical director Bob Bell says it gives the cars a more modern look.

"The biggest challenge will be to learn how to get the best performance from them. It's completely new territory for everyone involved," Bell said.

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