The pre-season tests have given Pirelli further insight into the anticipated lap-time differences between its compounds.

"After an uncertain start with bad weather last week, pre-season testing eventually turned out to be very productive with more representative conditions this week, just as we expected," said Mario Isola.

"The teams were able to comfortably complete more than 100 laps each per day, helping them to prepare for the season ahead and gather information on the 2018 tyre range.

"Of the slick tyres, all the compounds were tried out from the hard to the new pink hypersoft, with a new all-time lap record established on the hypersoft.

"During the final day of testing last week, wet conditions that eventually dried out enabled the teams to also assess the wet-weather tyres and crossover points."

A further challenge this year is the fact that the track has been resurfaced, making it smoother with more grip, which has led to instances of graining.

"We had some blisters, we had some graining," he admitted. "Graining is new compared to last year, last year we didn't have any. I feel that the new tarmac is generating a little bit of graining because it's smooth and you have some sliding on the front left.

"We have to confirm we have this kind of effect when we come back in May with higher temperatures," he added. "Blisters is not a surprise considering the energy the new cars are putting on the new tyres.

"Most importantly of all though, the teams are satisfied with the data that they have collected," he said. "From our side we now also have a good idea of the performance differences between the compounds at this point of the season, with around 0.7 seconds between the ultrasoft and the hypersoft, which corresponds to our expectations."

Meanwhile, it is understood the delta between the medium and soft is around 0.85s, the soft to supersoft around 0.4s and supersoft to ultrasoft around 0.6s.

Check out our Friday gallery from Barcelona, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Rock Doc, 11/03/2018 3:03

"Well it would be great for the racing if they could actually get close and overtake."

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2. Posted by NS Biker, 10/03/2018 14:34

"Adding up the numbers comes to 2.5 seconds Med to Hypersoft.
Kind of makes that German team look pretty good, or more.
Should be great racing for 3rd and 4th."

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3. Posted by Max Noble, 10/03/2018 14:04

"Compared to a tyre war... this is the next best thing close deltas and options in the cross over zones... bring it on!"

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Pirelli reveals performance deltas

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