Pirelli to test new tires in Abu Dhabi

Pirelli will supply Formula 1 teams with two extra sets of dry-weather experimental soft tires for use during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice day on Friday.

Additional prototype tires will be available to use at next week’s young driver test at the Yas Marina Circuit, which takes place 15-17 November, after the grand prix weekend.

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery explained: “At this point in the season, our emphasis is obviously on refining our tyre choices for next year, which is why we are seeing some new tyres during free practice here and the young driver test. With very limited opportunities for testing during the season, this is important for us to collect information as we develop our strategy for 2012, which will feature tyres that are a bit different from this year’s range."

The official tires for the weekend are the Pirelli medium (prime) compound and soft (option) compound tires.