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Pirelli looks set to modify the design of its 2018 tyres, following a proposal by world champions Mercedes. Auto Motor und Sport reports that Mercedes' request followed Barcelona testing, when the team suffered from extreme blistering.
Pirelli boss Mario Isola confirmed: "The new asphalt is blacker and smoother and producing even more grip. This can lead to overheating." Mercedes told Pirelli that a solution might be to reduce the thickness of the rubber layer on critical circuits like Barcelona.
And Italian marque Pirelli agreed: "We would have done it anyway," Isola insisted. So in Barcelona, Silverstone and Paul Ricard later this season - circuits that were all recently resurfaced - the rubber layer of the tyres will be 0.4mm thinner, reducing the weight of the cars by a kilo.
Normally, Pirelli would need 70 per cent agreement for an in-season tyre design change, but in this case the Italian tyre maker is using the emergency safety argument.
Rival teams are not happy: "We have no problems with blisters," a McLaren source said. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo said: "Our car is gentler on the tyres than the Mercedes." An unnamed team boss added: "Why should we change the tyres if Mercedes has a problem?"(GMM)
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Might want to edit the title, because AFAIK, Pirelli is at least not officially owned by Merc'... Yet. ;)
denis1304
Posts: 284
Chines bought Pirelli
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Doesnt surprise me really. Although most Chinese owners tend to let European corps continue to do their thing, they just want the money.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
What a joke, Merc & Pirelli cheating again. tsk