Pirelli will be equipping a full grid of 26 Dallara-built
single-seaters with its newly developed 13-inch P Zero control
tires at the Feb. 10-12 GP2 Asia Series at Abu Dhabi’s Yas
Marina Circuit.
The tire maker has already enjoyed a successful start at Abu
Dhabi, taking part in two official two-day tests.
“Our P Zero medium slicks have passed the tests with full
marks, from start to finish,” says Pirelli racing manager Mario
Isola.
“This is a very positive result if we consider that this was
the first time that the GP2 drivers had the chance to try the
new rubber. The demanding features of this track tend to have a
strong impact on tires and the medium slicks proved to be up to
the challenge,” he reports.
“Adding to the demands of the Yas Marina Circuit was the
uncertain weather that characterized these tests from start to
finish. However, our P Zero medium slicks showed themselves to
be very versatile, ensuring safety and performance despite some
very complicated track conditions,” Isola says.
“We decided to bring our medium compound to these pre-season
tests as this will be the one to be raced in the upcoming
rounds. We were looking forward to completing these first tests
and seeing how our medium tires behaved. We have already
successfully completed several private tests, but when it comes
to group testing, things can turn out to be more complicated,”
he explains.
“On private tests, tires are tested using a single car on a
green track. During group tests, there are 26 cars using our
tires and the track characteristics can change after a few
laps. This makes a big difference in terms of grip, but the P
Zero medium tires lived up to our expectations,” Isola
continues. “They performed very well, ensuring durability and
high levels of grip especially in the first laps. The feedback
from drivers and teams was excellent and we are all looking
forward with confidence to getting back on track in a few days
when the 2011 GP2 Asia season will commence.”
For more information, visit www.us.pirelli.com.
