Pirelli to simplify tyre-names in 2019

Pirelli is planning to simplify the naming of their compounds in 2019, in order to make it easier to understand for the fans, as there currently are seven dry and two wet compounds.

The current range of tyres varies from hypersoft to ultrahards, three of which are made available for each race weekend (apart from the wet compounds). Although the amount of compounds won't change, the plan is to simply name the three available tyres 'soft', 'medium' and 'hard' each weekend, so it's easier for fans to follow.

"That's the plan," Pirelli motorsports director Mario Isola said.

“I can confirm that I made all the investigation within the company to understand if it is feasible, because obviously there is an implication with the production, logistics, how we manage the tyres, and marketing.

“I made an investigation with all the departments to make sure we’re not doing something wrong and I confirmed that it’s feasible.

“The three names are clear, hard, medium and soft, but the three colours are still under discussion.”

Currently, soft, medium and hard compounds are marked by yellow, white and blue colours respectively, but this could be subject to change.

Originally, the plan was to execute this plan in 2020, when the new tyre contract kicks in, but Pirelli wants to push its agenda.

“It was a request coming from F1 and the FIA, and we made the necessary changes in order to achieve that for 2019.

“The next step is to define the colours, and to announce officially that we are going in that direction."