McLaren Mercedes technicians check the pressure of tyres in the paddock on the Hungaroring circuit near Budapest. Photo: AP
The pressure will be on tyre manufacturer Pirelli as much as those trying to catch Formula One leader Sebastian Vettel at today’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
While Vettel’s rivals try to stop him from extending his lead before the season heads into its mid-season break, Pirelli hopes its much-lamented tyres withstand the meltingly hot temperatures expected on Sunday outside Budapest.
Last week, the teams held in-season testing sessions at Silverstone to assess new tyres provided by Pirelli, after several spectacular blowouts on the same circuit at the British Grand Prix in June prompted a furious response and even a boycott threat from drivers.
“We haven’t asked for different tyres, we have asked for tyres that are safe,” three-time defending champion Vettel said. “It’s hard to know what to expect here.”
Under intense pressure, and following its own investigation, Pirelli decided that from this race until the end of the season, it will revert to last year’s tyres combined with the current compounds from this season.
Even before Silverstone, there were repeated problems – with the Spanish GP in May turning into a pit-stop procession as tyres shredded like paper. At Silverstone, they exploded on four cars, including those of Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa. Drivers then threatened to withdraw from the German Grand Prix if there more blowouts occurred during the race. – AP
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