The British Grand Prix in June was blighted by multiple failures, prompting
Pirelli to change their tyre structures for Germany and then again for
Hungary.
And it was probably far from coincidental that Michelin’s expression of
interest on Saturday came after a Friday practice session at Spa that saw
the Red
Bull of Sebastian
Vettel and the Ferrari
of Fernando Alonso both suffer rear-right failures at the same turn.
In an attempt to ward off criticism, Pirelli was forced to spend time showing
various media evidence that appeared to prove that both punctures were
caused by debris on the circuit rather than any inherent weakness on the
part of the tyre.
Michelin says that any return would be contingent on a move away from the
fast-degrading rubber which Pirelli has been asked to produce, but its very
expression of interest at this late stage raises plenty of questions as to
how long it may have been preparing a return and whether it has been given
tacit encouragement to do so.
A decision is likely to be taken at next month’s meeting of the World Motor
Sport Council.
Meanwhile, there was yet more confusion over whether the inaugural Grand Prix
of America in New Jersey would take place next summer after Bernie
Ecclestone dampened reports that it was struggling to raise $100 million of
funding.
F1’s chief executive said he had not yet given up hope that the race, which is
scheduled to run back to back with Canada in June, would happen.
The speculation takes place amid general confusion over the 2014 calendar with
similar doubts over Korea and Russia, while next year’s Indian GP has
already been pushed back to 2015.