Pirelli consider 'Qualifying Tyre'

Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli will consider designing a special tyre for qualifying to introduce next season.

The tyre would be designed to have large amounts of grip and speed over the course of a single lap to give drivers ultimate performance.

Formula One hasn't had specially designed qualifying tyres over the past decade. The last time they were available to teams was in 1991 when Pirelli and Goodyear competed in F1.

After Pirelli left the sport the FIA banned the short life rubber, but Pirelli have suggested to the teams that it could be re-introduced in the future.

'We've put the idea of qualifying tyres to the teams and we will get their feedback, If they don't want to do it, we won't do it. Pirelli boss Paul Hembery told Autosport Magazine.

'It might be a step too far next year and too much for the teams to take on board, but it's something that we have offered.'

Pirelli have also announced that it is unlikely that their hard compound tyre will be run again this season.

Pirelli have already stated which compounds will be used for the next three races, but they also believe that the circuit characteristics of the remaining tracks on the calendar mean that they are unlikely to need the hard tyre, with the new medium compound proving to be slightly more durable.

The news is expected to be welcomed by Ferrari who have been a lot more successful when Pirelli have used softer tyres.