Pirelli Clarifies Comments

Pirelli Motorsport Dir Paul Hembery "has been forced to clarify his company's position after initially appearing to criticize the Formula One teams for Sunday's British Grand Prix chaos," according to Ian Parkes of the London INDEPENDENT. Hembery and Pirelli were "adamant the current range of tires are safe." Pirelli "has cited four reasons:" incorrect reverse mounting of the rear tires, too-low pressures, extreme camber settings and aggressive curbing. Hembery said, "I'd like to re-emphasize the fact the 2013 range of tires, used in the correct way, is completely safe."

It immediately led to suggestions Pirelli was shifting "responsibility on to the teams." Just more than 90 minutes later, however, Hembery and Pirelli "issued a further response, suggesting no attempt was being made to criticize." Hembery said, "In no way are we intending to create arguments or attack anybody. We have taken our responsibilities upon ourselves … but not having full control over all the elements that impact on the use of the tires, we need everybody's contribution." Independent