Pirelli chief Mario Isola believes the Italian tyre giant’s time in Formula 1 will benefit its full-time FIA World Rally Championship comeback next season.
The Milan-based firm returns to world rallying’s top tier for the first time in a decade as 2021 kicks starts a four-year single supply agreement, similar to the one it has retained in F1 since 2011.
“We learned a lot during our time in Formula 1 and we are still learning,” Isola told WRC.com.
“We can bring this knowledge back to the WRC in the logistics and the way we are working as well as for the tyres themselves.
“Pirelli has always had an incredible heritage in rallying, it’s part of the company’s DNA, so to be back there again is really important for us.”
Testing on Pirelli’s 2021 WRC tyres will start as soon as Europe emerges from the Covid-19 lockdown.
Again referencing the early development work carried out in F1, Isola added: “If I look at F1, we have a lot of work that is done in advance before going on track thanks to simulations. A rally car is different.
“Simulating the performance on gravel or different surfaces is difficult, but we can make some work around that. It could be a good starting point. But hopefully we can start earlier to test and validate our product.”
While Pirelli hasn’t supplied WRC factory teams since the end of 2010, it has maintained a presence in the series and now supplies WRC 2 and Junior WRC.
Isola said: “We have a product. We already supply all WRC 2 cars, so we have a product available for four-wheel drive cars.
"We are working on the durability of this tyre as well as the performance. We are confident looking forward to next season.”
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally
content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news,
features and experiences nobody can match.
Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which
shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine.
If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.
We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires.
If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period.
You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.
Account Created!
Welcome to RallySport Magazine VIP Membership.
Get ready for your rally news experience to completely transform.
Start browsing news, exclusive VIP content or check out your account.
