Pirelli is all set to replace Bridgestone as Formula1’s sole tyre supplier from 2011. The teams wrapped up their first run on Pirelli tires Saturday, with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher among drivers who were impressed by the new wheels.
Schumacher, who posted a seventh-fastest lap, said the tires were consistent as the two-day testing session involving all 12 teams wrapped.
Schumacher's 2011 title hopes hinge on Mercedes being able to adapt to the Italian brand, which returns to F1 for this first time since 1991. Schumacher's return was marked by a car that had problems on Bridgestones, who are quitting the sport after having been a supplier since 2001.
Sebastian Vettel said the tires "were already better than expected" after testing at the Yas Marina circuit, where the 23-year-old Red Bull driver won the F1 drivers' title Sunday.
Fernando Alonso ran 105 laps for the quickest time of the session ahead of Vettel, who edged the Ferrari driver for the championship at the final race. Alonso's time was 1 minute, 40.529 seconds — nearly three-tenths faster than Vettel.
The double world champion said he doesn't expect the switch from Bridgestone to Pirelli to be a "traumatic one."
Pirelli will hold a private test in Bahrain from Dec. 12-16 but the next scheduled tests involving all teams don't begin again until February.
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