The car was used in competition throughout the 2009 grand prix season, but it has since undergone aerodynamic and weight distribution modifications to simulate the latest Formula One regulations for which the current P Zero tires are designed to reach.
Prior to Block’s run, the car will already have completed two days of testing in the hands of Pirelli test driver Lucas di Grassil, who will be assessing the latest evolutions of the P Zeros aimed at future applications. Di Grassi will remain on hand to help give Block some tips and advice as he makes his Formula One debut.
The test campaign forms part of Pirelli’s on- going development program this year, alongside the 11,000-plus miles of private testing that were carried out in 2010 before Pirelli embarked on its first grand prix.
Block is set to use Pirelli’s softer compounds as he gets up to speed with the 700-horsepower Formula One challenger, which was a regular podium finisher two years ago. The two softest tires in the P Zero range – P Zero Red (supersoft) and P Zero Yellow (soft) – will give Block the grip and confidence he needs to get used to the car, according to motorsports director Paul Hembery. In particular, these tires reach their operating temperature of around 212 degrees F in less than two laps.
Later on in the test, he should get the chance to try out the two harder compounds: P Zero White (medium) and P Zero Silver (hard). “These tires have a little less performance than the softer tires, but increased durability and resistance to high temperatures – not to mention ‘gymkhana’ style doughnuts,” Hembery notes.
“I’ve been lucky enough to do some pretty spectacular stunts in my career so far, but this is something else,” says Block. “Everybody talks about Formula One being the pinnacle of world motorsport so I can’t wait to discover it for myself. I’m very grateful to Pirelli, which has been one of my partners since 2010, for this amazing opportunity. These cars are so specialized that I need to be realistic about what I can do, but I know that it’s going to be a lot of fun to take hooning to a whole new level.”
Monza, a half-hour drive from Pirelli’s headquarters in Milan, is the home of the Italian Grand Prix. The very first Italian Grand Prix at Monza, in 1922, was won on Pirelli tires.
Set in parkland to the north of Milan, Monza is also one of the quickest and most spectacular circuits of the season thanks to its combination of long straights and fast corners, Hembery says. Nearly 80 percent of the 3.599-mile circuit is driven at full throttle.
“We’re absolutely delighted that Ken is making his Formula One driving debut with us, and where better than Monza? I hope that he thoroughly enjoys the experience of driving these awesome cars,” Hembery observes.
“We got to know Ken through our partnership with the Gymkhana program and the World Rally Championship last year, where he impressed us with his dedicated approach, his technical feedback and his unique way of marketing the sport,” he says.
“We’re really looking forward to finding out what he thinks about our Formula One tires, and I’m sure that the millions of his fans around the world can’t wait to see him behind the wheel of a grand prix car. Ken seems to be a person who has done more or less everything in his career up to now – so I’m very glad that we were actually able to find a new experience for him,” says Hembery.
For more information, visit www.us.pirelli.com.
