“The sidewalls are designed to deal with specific loads on the internal and
external sides of the tyre. So swapping the tyres round has an effect on how
they work.”
Pirelli was careful to stress that it was not blaming teams for having
switched the tyres, describing it as “a practice that was underestimated by
everybody, above all Pirelli, which did not forbid this”.
However, it did accuse the teams of ignoring its advice concerning tyre
pressures at Silverstone, which it reported were “excessively low or in any
case lower than those indicated by Pirelli”.
The other factors behind the failures, according to Pirelli, were extreme
camber angles and Silverstone’s kerbs, which it described as “particularly
aggressive on fast corners”.
Pirelli concluded that it was essential going forward that tyres are
“regulated and carefully controlled by Pirelli”.
This would require “real-time data from the teams regarding fundamental
parameters such as pressure, temperature and camber angles”.
No doubt stung by the response to its statement, the Italian firm later
published a second statement on Tuesday night, motorsport director Paul
Hembery saying he “in no way intended to create arguments or attack anybody”.
“Contrary to the impression that some people have formed, I would like to
underline the collaboration and support that we are receiving from the
teams, drivers, FIA and FOM,” Hembery said.
“We have taken our responsibilities upon ourselves. But not having full
control over all the elements that impact on the use of the tyres, we need
everybody’s contribution.
“With regard to this, we are receiving the full support of all the parties
involved, for which we are very grateful.”