Pirelli will  test a new prototype 18 inch tyre with Lotus tomorrow at the Silverstone test to showcase what F1 might look like in the future.

According to Pirelli the 18-inch tyre is an idea that they have promoted ever since the company was first announced as Formula One official tyre supplier back in 2010.  Larger wheel and tyre sizes reflect modern market trends; with the adoption of a larger size invariably leading to even greater technology transfer between Formula One tyres and road car tyres.

This initiative will only be pursued by Pirelli if there is enough interest from the teams and by Formula 1 Management.

A new 18-inch tyre would not be without its technical challenges to produce, although the pay-off would be increased rigidity through having less flexibility in the sidewalls. Nonetheless, this necessary movement forms an important part of the current Formula One car’s suspension and damping.

“The 13-inch tyre is no longer relevant to the everyday road user, because even an 18-inch tyre is used by standard vehicles these days, said Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, Paul Hembery. ” While 18-inch tyres would be a big step for Formula One, there are many other motorsport series that already use this size. So there’s scope to go even bigger than that in Formula One in years to come,” he added

Pirelli have released mock ups of what the tyre will look like. The picture is included in this article

Pictures by courtesy Pirelli