Pirelli and Lotus debut 18 inch tyre concept

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F1 Test, Silverstone, Silverstone Circuitgb

Pirelli has displayed its 18 inch tyre concept for Formula One, a possibility for a regulation change that the tyre company has been pushing for since its return to the sport in 2010.

Presented this morning at Silverstone, the Lotus E22 will perform limited testing with the tyre, shod on new 18 inch rims to evaluate the impact of such a change.

The trial is designed to allow teams to evaluate the possible changes, both in terms of adjustments to the suspensions as well as for the spectators. Pirelli argues that the change would be beneficial to further increase the road relevance of Formula One, noting that the current 13 inch tyres are no longer common on road cars.