Tire test in Abu Dhabi: Pirelli ready for Formula 1

B e Pirelli came shortly before the start the official test drives of Formula 1 in Valencia (February 1st) stress again. During the last private test drives in Abu Dhabi, pilot Pedro de la Rosa had to move out not only during the day but also at night. And as if that weren't enough, the track was flooded twice to test the rain tires.

Pirelli irrigates the desert

140,000 Liters of the precious liquid were distributed on the 3.1 kilometer desert course. From 6 p.m. to midnight, Pedro de la Rosa did his laps. The Spaniard covered a total of 1,400 kilometers on the two days, which corresponds to about four Grand Prix distances.

The first night was about choosing the right rain tire for the 2011 season. In the second wet session, the former Sauber driver concentrated on testing the intermediate tire. It was important for Pirelli to find out the crossover time, i.e. the amount of water at which the intermediate rubber allows faster times on the track than the rain tire.

Pirelli ready for Formula 1 racing

Pedro de la Rosa was satisfied afterwards. He was particularly impressed by the experience of driving under floodlights on a damp track. 'That was a new experience for me - just like for everyone else. The most important thing was that the moisture remained constant on the track. This gave us precise results. In the end we developed two tires - rain and intermediate - both of which are competitive and stable. '

The conclusion of the slick tests also went' very well '. 'In my opinion, Pirelli is now ready for Formula 1,' said De la Rosa. Pirelli sports director Paul Hembery was also optimistic, but also warns of euphoria. 'We are aware that we are newcomers to Formula 1 and still have a lot to learn, but we are also confident that we can start the official test drives with a strong package.'