Pirelli should refine its markings

Pirelli plans to refine its tire marking system after difficulties encountered distinguishing the colors during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

Before the race, the Italian manufacturer had announced that these tires would have colored logos to distinguish them – notably the soft (yellow) and hard (gray) ones that were used in Melbourne.

But with teams finding it difficult to know which tire color was being used when cars were in action, Pirelli has promised to reassess its plans.

“«We are looking at the markings, specifically the silver and the white, » stated Paul Hembery, the director of motorsport at Pirelli.

I thought the yellow was very clear. Watching the images of the race on a television screen, I didn’t think there was any doubt when looking at the cars with yellow markings. But the silver ones? Yes, I think we need to work on that because it’s a bit unclear with the black. But if that’s my biggest problem, then I would be happy.

Rubens Barrichello was one of the drivers who thought the color system needed improvement:

Pirelli needs to do something for the spectators. If you have a still image, you can see the color. But on a moving car, you can’t see which tires are mounted on the car. Imagine what it’s like in the stands. It would be nice if that could change.