Formula 1 | Pirelli promotes the Hypersoft tire at the end of the two-day test in Abu Dhabi

At the end of the two days of testing at Yas Marina, Pirelli said it was satisfied with the new Hypersoft tyre, underlining how the teams appreciated the composition of the new compound which will be brought starting from the next Australian Grand Prix. Mario Isola, responsible for track activities, confirmed how the results of the new tires are in line with expectations and how it will be possible to further lower the times in 2018. The Hypersoft, in fact, is estimated to be faster than the ultrasoft by approximately a second.

Here are the words of Mario Isola: “With these two intense days of testing in Abu Dhabi, during which the teams tested the 2018 range for the first time, we closed a record-breaking 2017 season, with 25% wider tires and some of the fastest laps ever . Each team had 20 sets available for testing: 12 selected by Pirelli and the other 8 freely chosen. In total, 23 drivers participated in the test carrying out long run simulations, therefore not in qualifying conditions. Given the characteristics of the Yas Marina circuit, the riders were able to try the compounds ranging from White medium to Pink hypersoft".

“Overall, the test and all the riders gave very positive feedback. The Pink hypersoft's results are in line with our expectations, with lap times around a second faster than the Purple ultrasoft. Data that will obviously have to be confirmed on other circuits. As requested by the Teams, all 2018 tires are one step softer than 2017. The brand new Pink hypersoft, new entry in our range, is therefore two steps softer than the 2017 Purple ultrasoft. We will return to the track in the first pre-test session -seasonal, scheduled in Barcelona from 26 February to 1 March 2018” he concluded.

Roberto Valenti