Testing has almost always been a part of Formula One, with tests once large-scale and today lasting just three days, all as part of a drive towards a sustainable sport. Pirelli's head of motorsport, Mario Isola, spoke to Roksana Ćwik during testing in Bahrain about the Italian manufacturer's current situation, preparations for the new F1 season, the abandonment of warming blankets ahead of the 2024 season and more.
I know it's early and the testing is still going on, but what are your first impressions of the tyres?First impressions are that the result of the behaviour of the tyre is quite in line with our expectation. Last year we decided to upgrade the construction to have a stronger construction, especially in the front, but with a higher level of integrity. This is why we have been able to reduce the pressure, and we were looking at a reduction of the understeer. Last year that was a common trend across all the teams. The C1 compound is new and the general feedback on the C1 compound is quite positive, so I'm happy to record that because last year we used C1, C2 and C3 here in Bahrain and the C1 was not really used during the race. They prefer the C2 and the C3, so the C1 is a good alternative compound for the race, and it will be interesting to see what is going to happen next week with all the three compounds.
During the press conference, a few of the drivers, including Lewis, were asked about the blankets and the wet tyres. Lewis told us that there was a wrong decision about the slicks, but what do you think? Have you got any more feedback apart from Lewis?The decision to remove the blankets is a decision that was taken months ago or maybe years ago, and it's a path towards a more sustainable sport. It's one of the actions that Formula One is implementing for a more sustainable sport. We are happy to be part of this journey. In the beginning of February, we started to test with reduced temperature in the blankets and without blankets. Obviously, February means cold temperature when we tested in Jerez, and it is very early stages of the development, but the target is to remove blankets for 2024. At the end of July, we will have a meeting with FIA, F1, drivers, teams, to decide if the level of development achieved is the right one to remove the blankets in 2024 or not. I believe it's a bit early to decide now. We are not in a position to decide now. What we can do is to develop a new product. Obviously, removing blankets means that we have to redesign completely the construction and redesign completely all the compounds because you need a construction that is able to work at a lower pressure because then the pressure increase from cold to hot is quite big. We are talking about 9, 10 psi. And to design compounds with a working range from 15, 20 degrees to 120 degrees… It's a different concept. Formula One is the only championship with such fast cars and cars that are putting so much energy into the tyres. That means that we have to work hard on that.
Because the tests were conducted with low fuel and during the races they will have more fuel, are you not scared that there will be some problems with the tyres without blankets?During our test, we used both low fuel and high fuel. It was not just on low fuel. We have a mix of everything because we needed to test any different conditions. Obviously, it's a matter of defining the right starting pressure in order not to create a tyre issue. That is clear. But we have a good system to define it. The point is that, as I said, from starting to running, we will have a delta that is now 2 to 3 psi and in the future it will be 9, 10 or 11. The profile of the tyre is going to change the footprint, the pressure distribution. There are many elements that should be considered. I'm happy with the fact that this winter we had the opportunity to test wet weather tyres in cold conditions, and we found a new compound. We tested different compounds and one of the new compounds is working very well without blankets, with a better warm-up and better performance. And this is why we have asked the Formula One Commission to authorize the change of product during the season. And from Imola onwards, we are going to supply the new wet weather tyre.
We have now C0. Last year we had C1. We used C1 I think in four or five races. Now, can you say, well, when will we use C0?C0 was working well in Zandvoort, in Silverstone. The old C1, so the current C0, was not suitable for Bahrain, Barcelona. So we started with the idea to give more grip to the C0. More grip to the old C1 in order to keep the five compounds in the range with the new C1. But then, looking at the data from last year and analysing the data from last year, we said why should we remove the old C1 that was working so well in Silverstone and in Zandvoort, considering that we have the freedom to homologate as many compounds as we want. And we don't have the problem like some years ago where you had seven different colors, and it was a bit confusing for spectators. We always select three compounds, hard, medium, soft, white, yellow, red. And if it is in a basket of five or six compounds, it doesn't change the situation. So we decided to homologate six instead of five.
What is your opinion on abandoning the Barcelona test in favour of Bahrain, as well as having only three pre-season test days?Testing is something that is going to be less and less because that is a decision of the sport. What we said to the teams, to Formula 1, to the FIA is that we need dedicated tyre testing to develop the product that Formula 1 is requiring. Without testing for us, it's almost impossible. We start the development of the tyre with a virtual model. That is exactly what we did last year with the 18-inch tyre and without the availability of the new cars. But then you need to validate your product on track. And during the race weekend is not possible, so we need some dedicated testing. Then, when we discussed these alternative opportunities for tyre testing, we realized that in the second part of the season with all the overseas events, it was impossible to find the room for testing. And we agreed with the teams to use FP2 sometime dedicated for tyre testing. And we want to continue to keep this option for this year. So, we will have Mexico and Japan where we are going to use FP2 for tyre testing. And also, when we discussed that, we said why don't we take the opportunity, considering that the season is going to finish mid of November and restart end of February, to use part of the winter break for tyre testing. And it was decided to give us the possibility to test until mid of December and from the 1st of February, obviously with a car from the previous year.
Is it true that there have been some talks between Pirelli and Formula E?No. There was a tender, but at the moment we are very busy in many, many championships, and we are currently supplying more than 230 championships. So, we are focused more on Formula 1, and we don't have at the moment the possibility also to supply Formula E.
Now I have a little question about your personal life. We know that you're not only a Pirelli guy, but you also do something else. Lots of our readers would like to know exactly what you do in your spare time, because they follow you on Instagram and wonder....I don't have a lot of spare time, but when I am at home in Mila – I live in Milan – I am volunteering as an ambulance driver for many years. I started when I was 18, and I continued this activity, and so I drive ambulances, especially during night shift. And I am also, if there is another driver, I am also the team leader of the team of 3–4 people that we are on the ambulance. I like this activity, it's a way to see a different world compared to the paddock, and so I hope I will have the time to continue.
Thank you so much.You are welcome.
