Pic: The 18-inch tires will be “a big challenge” for F1

Charles Pic, interviewed by our colleagues from _Autosport_, reflected on his morning of tests with the 18-inch tires designed by Pirelli. The Frenchman mainly wanted to explain the fundamental unsuitability of the wheels provided by the Italian company at Silverstone while emphasizing that the main issue was elsewhere.

« If we ever go with this type of tire, it will be a big challenge, » assures the reserve driver for the Lotus team. « For the teams, because they’ll have to build a completely new car around them due to the completely different philosophy, and also for the drivers, because they are completely different. »

After having a close look at these new tires, what does he think about their appearance? « In terms of looks, it’s different and some will like it, others won’t. Honestly, I think they were too big, but maybe that’s because it was the first time I saw them on the car. »

However, he knows that this first run had a very basic purpose – as Paul Hembery explained: The goal was to try driving with them and see how they reacted. The overall grip was very low, I think it was 5 or 6 seconds slower, mainly because the rest of the car was designed for normal tires, not prototypes.

He confirms a quicker front tire response when entering a corner: It’s true that they are more reactive and edgy, and additionally, you lose a lot of aerodynamics. It’s not even like when you’re configured for Monza, it’s even less due to this type of tires. In terms of driving, obviously it’s not good, but that wasn’t the purpose of the test.

« It was really the beginning with this type of tire and, of course, they will improve it,” explains the Drômois. « I think in terms of philosophy, it will be a type of tire that reacts quickly, and the reaction you have in the steering wheel is more nervous. »