Pirelli - Meet the 2013 Compounds

The compounds and constructions have all changed for 2013. Here is a step-by-step guide to the P Zero and Cinturato Formula One compounds:

Supersoft (red)
The P Zero Red supersoft was the only tyre last year to remain unchanged from 2011, but for 2013 it is all new with a softer compound designed to increase performance and degradation. The warm-up has been made even faster this year, ensuring that the P Zero Red will be instantly on the pace and offer optimal grip.
This tyre is ideally suited for slow and twisty circuits, such as Monaco and Hungary. It is a low working range compound, so also very suitable for smooth asphalt.

Soft (yellow)
The P Zero Yellow soft is just over half a second per lap slower than the supersoft, but it is still softer than the equivalent compound last year. However, it has a high working range that makes it suitable for an extremely wide range of conditions, which is likely to make it one of the most frequently used compounds this year. This is the compound that has the most increased working range in 2013.

Medium (white)
The P Zero White medium has a lower working range, making it the ideal choice for circuits that are slightly less demanding or have lower ambient temperatures. The new medium tyre is not dissimilar to last year’s soft, making it around 0.8 seconds per laps faster than the hard.

Hard (orange)
The P Zero hard tyre is the most visually different compared to the previous year as it changes colour from silver to orange. It also becomes a lot softer – closer in characteristics to last year’s medium. The working range has been completely changed compared to last year, being higher and very similar to the soft. This
compound is ideal for the toughest and hottest circuits.

Intermediate (green)
The Cinturato Green intermediate has a new rear construction, but the tread pattern remains the same as last year. However, modifications made to the rear tyres in particular have enhanced what was already one of Pirelli’s most successful and driveable products.

Wet (blue)
The Cinturato Blue wet also benefits from a new construction. Like the intermediate, the rear tyres have been redesigned to offer more progressive traction and reduce snap oversteer, while maintaining the ability to evacuate 60 litres of water per second at top speed. The characteristics of this tyre are now more closely aligned to those of the intermediate.