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Paul Hembery: 'Pace step for 2017 like GP2 to F1'

Paul Hembery foresees a huge performance leap for Formula 1 as a result of the rules changes for 2017.

Paul Hembery has tipped a huge performance leap for Formula 1 as a result of the rules changes for 2017.

In response to dwindling spectator numbers, the sport collectively agreed that it needs to dramatically speed up the cars next year.

"I think Formula 1 lost a little bit of its excitement," Sebastian Vettel said.

F1 legend Gerhard Berger agrees, telling Ole: "Right now, the only real motor sport is MotoGP.

"Formula 1 must decide whether it is a sport, a show or a test bed for the automotive industry."

The wider cars and tyres and bigger wings will speed things up dramatically for 2017, with Pirelli chief Paul Hembery saying that the step from 2016 "will be like jumping from GP2 to F1".

He is also quoted by Italy's Autosprint as saying that the sporting aspect will rev up in 2017, too.

"Often, changes like these can bring out the differences between the drivers, but I am sure that most of them will say this is what they want - that the challenge is bigger," added Hembery.

The 2016 season continues this Sunday with the Belgian Grand Prix.

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Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari during practice for the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 13, 2016
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