Sep.4 (GMM) Adrian Sutil is expecting a "challenging year" for formula one in 2011 as Pirelli adjusts to the sport.

The Italian marque, not in F1 since the early 90s, is replacing departing stalwart Bridgestone, and has already kicked off its on-track development programme.

Force India's Sutil said: "I see it being a challenging year.

"It's understandable that as a new tyre manufacturer you need to collect your experience. It's going to be one or two years until Pirelli supplies the perfect tyre," he predicted to Germany's Spox.

But the German driver welcomes the challenge.

"It's the same for everyone, so everyone has to cope with the situation. That makes it exciting," said Sutil.

Bridgestone entered formula one in 1997.

"We had the advantage that we could enter step by step, because Goodyear was still there. First we had only one top team, then two and so on," said the Japanese company's F1 boss Hirohide Hamashima.

"For Pirelli it's different because they immediately have to equip the entire field, which will be very difficult," he added.

Hamashima revealed that Pirelli has not yet asked for any advice or involvement.

"So far Pirelli has not asked for advice, because engineers are very proud, especially when it comes to the competition.

"If Pirelli would like to make use of some of our employees, it would be our pleasure. We have built up very good contacts with the teams and I would not want there to be a big confusion.

"The transition of Bridgestone to Pirelli should run as smoothly as is possible," added Hamashima.

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version