Changes to tyres and aerodynamics aimed at cutting lap times next season; Front tyres 6cm wider, rears 8cm wider
Saturday 28 May 2016 12:39, UK
Pirelli have offered a first glimpse of the wider tyres that will be used as part of Formula 1's technical shake-up in 2017.
The Italian manufacturer unveiled a showcar with a prototype of the rubber fitted in Monaco on Saturday, though the tyres have not yet been tested.
It is hoped that the wider tyres will bring more mechanical grip for the dramatic rule changes next season, and along with changes to aerodynamics are aimed at cutting lap times by up to five seconds.
The front tyres are six centimetres, nearly 25 per cent, wider than the current spec while the rear tyres, a throwback to the early 1990s, are eight centimetres and more than 30 per cent wider.
"I like the look of them," said Sky F1's Martin Brundle. "It does make me think of the good old days."
Pirelli state that they hope to start testing the new tyres to simulate next year's downforce levels by the beginning of August, with participating teams supplying a current or 2015 car.
Watch the Monaco GP live on Sky Sports F1. The race starts at 1pm on Sunday, with build-up underway at 11.30am. Or watch the race without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV.
