Pirelli tyres a success

According to Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, Pirelli have fulfilled the requirements asked of them, however the Ferrari driver isn't happy about it.

Following Bridgestone’s exit from the sport Pirelli became F1's tyre manufacturer for the 2011 season.

One of the main points for their development was to design tyres that would not last as long as the previous 2010 Bridgestone tyres, with extra pit stops being the thought behind the move.

For some, extra pit stops and making tyre strategy a more crucial part of an F1 Grand Prix will create extra excitement.

The new tyres have so far received a mixed response from drivers, which ultimately is a good sign as it shows the drivers are not in their comfort zone, which can lead to mistakes and once again, extra excitement for spectators.

'From what we have seen so far, degradation is very significant, which means we will have races with lots of pitstops,' Fernando Alonso said at a Santander event in Madrid on Monday according to Autosport Magazine.

Mission accomplished for Pirelli then, oh wait, Alonso isn’t happy: “I'm not keen on that because I think this increased uncertainty does not favour the strongest teams.”

So the sport could be more competitive then? Again, more excitement for spectators, now wouldn’t that be a shame.

Alonso continued: 'However, the situation is the same for everyone: it will be important to be fastest because I don't think we can make one stop less than our main rivals.'

Looking ahead to the new 2011 season which will start at the end of the month in Australia, Red Bull and Ferrari look to be the favourites following winter testing.

The two teams have consistently been at the top of the timing charts and both have completed a huge amount of mileage while testing their new cars.

'We will only really know where we stand compared to the others when we are in Melbourne, at the moment, I am happy because we proved to have a reliable car.

'If all goes to plan, we will be in the group of teams capable of fighting for the title, along with Red Bull the reigning champions, McLaren, Mercedes and also Renault, who had already made a step forward towards the end of last season. Even Toro Rosso has made significant progress.' Alonso added.

While Toro Rosso have surprised many during winter testing, many suspect that once the season gets under way we will see Red Bull and Ferrari at the front of the grid.

McLaren will need to make big strides in the upcoming Barcelona test to catch the front two, otherwise the early season will see them competing with Mercedes and Renault just ahead of the mid-pack teams.

Torro Rosso and Williams could have the surprise packages in Australia, but it’s still far too early to suggest that they will be regularly competing for points in 2011.