Racing will be more "real" in 2017 - Pirelli

According to Formula 1's tyre supplier Pirelli, F1 fans will see more "real" overtaking in 2017. Many fear that due to the added downforce that will feature on the 2017 cars, there will be shorter braking distances and therefore less overtaking.

In 2011, the FIA introduced the Drag Reduction System (DRS) to F1 which has drawn criticism from many fans who label it as artificial. Tyre supplier Pirelli's racing manager Mario Isola told the Spanish sports daily Marca: "Logic says there will be fewer overtakes, but they will be real.

"There will be no discussions for hours about whether the move was real or assisted. But also the 'show' is not only in overtaking," he added.

Some believe that a big step forward this year will be the simplicity of the racing, helped by tyres that degrade less and are less prone to overheating.

"I expect we'll see fewer pitstops," commented Pirelli chief Paul Hembery. "The cars will be faster, the drivers will be on their limit, they'll be making mistakes and we'll be seeing overtaking in that way. That's how it should be. We'll have a real world championship again. They will become clearer and easier to understand."

Fergal Walsh