Six color codes differentiate Pirelli racing tyres.

                    As we all know that Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has got the contract for supplying tyres for Formula One for a period of three years. The interesting part is that Pirelli has introduced a new system, it will use colors to distinguish six different types of rubber that will be used in Season 2011.

                     Each type of tyre will be recognized with the color of logo. As sports rules allow only two compunds known as prime and option, so these two will be used throughout the season. Intermediate and wet tyres can be fitted if it rains.


The six colours are as follows: 
Wet - orange 
Intermediate - light blue 
Super soft - red 
Soft - yellow 
Medium - white 
Hard-silver                                                                                                                                                                        

In order to make the differences between the prime and option tyre more pronounced, Pirelli's strategy is to offer a step of at least one compound between the tyres nominated for each race. If the track conditions require it though, this strategy may be revised. 

The prime and option tyres for the first three Grands Prix of the year - Australia, Malaysia and China - will be hard and soft compounds, meaning that silver and yellow tyres will be first to make an appearance in Melbourne. 

"We' re very excited by the prospect of returning to Formula One for the first time in 20 years, and we're aiming to be a proactive and colourful partner in Formula One,” commented Pirelli's Motorsport Director Paul Hembery. “So what better way to symbolise this than a brightly coloured selection of Pirelli logos to run onthe sidewalls? These will enable both live and television audiences to tell at a glance who is on what compounds, which will be vital knowledge as tyres are set to form a key part of race strategy this year." 


Pirelli is no stranger to brightly-coloured tyres: when the firm was previously involved in Formula One, the Benetton team was supplied with multi-coloured rubber to run as part of their ‘United Colors’ campaign back in 1986.