Beginning 2020, the cars that will race in the FIA Formula 2 Championship will be fitted with 18 inch Pirelli tires, as announced by the FIA and Formula 1.

The move, which is subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, reportedly comes after the desire to test and develop the Pirelli tires in Formula 1 competition in 2021.  

Formula 2 and Pirelli will work together during the 2019 season to develop the tires through an intensive testing program with an F2 single-seater. The first official test took place at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany, Italy yesterday.

“The FIA Formula 2 Championship marks the final step in young drivers’ careers as they strive to achieve a place in Formula 1, and with these plans to introduce, test and develop a new tire profile next season ahead of its introduction into F1, we are showing that Formula 2 is not only the place to prove the top driving talent, but also the latest technologies,” FIA Single-Seater Commission President Stefano Domenicali said.

“We are delighted to introduce 18 inch tires to grand prix weekends next season, a full year before they race in Formula 1, as the next chapter of our pioneering and proactive partnership with Formula 2. This move will assist us greatly as we develop a new generation of Formula 1 tires for 2021, and also benefit next year’s Formula 2 drivers themselves as they gain early experience of the future tire size in Formula 1,” Pirelli F1 and Car Racing Head Mario Isola said.

For more information, visit the Formula 2 website or the Pirelli website.

Image courtesy of Pirelli