PlanetF1

'Barcelona will be better suited'

Monday 18-February-2013 10:18

This week's test at Barcelona should allow the teams to better compare the new Pirelli tyres than Jerez, according to Paul Hembery.

The first of the three pre-season tests took place at Jerez, however, Hembery admitted he had some concerns that the abrasive surface of the track meant the teams were not able to gain any valuable tyre data.

The second test, though, will start this Tuesday at the Circuit de Catalunya, a venue that is well known to the teams not only through testing but also the Spanish Grand Prix.

"All the teams will have their new cars in Barcelona and the entire range of 2013 P Zero tyres will be at their disposal," Hembery, Pirelli's motorsport director, said.

"Barcelona is a circuit that the teams have plenty of data on already, which is useful for comparison purposes.

"So it should be possible for them to carry out plenty of productive work to help understand how their new cars interact with our latest generation of tyres, which are generally softer and faster than last year with deliberately increased degradation.

"The limiting factor at the opening test in Jerez earlier this month was the abrasiveness of the track, so hopefully conditions will be more representative this time.

"There is always the potential for low ambient temperatures though: last year, we actually saw some ice on the track in the morning..."