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Pirelli has issued a statement and held a press conference Friday, claiming that the 1000km tire test carried out at Barcelona by Mercedes prior to the Monaco Grand Prix was to test 2014 tires, and not intended to benefit the team in any way.
Despite in-test season being allowed to assist Pirelli with development, using a current spec car is banned by the FIA, so the company uses an adapted 2010 Renault for tire tests and previously ran a 2009 Toyota.
“In this regard, Pirelli has since 2010 made it clear that it is neither possible nor useful to carry out this type of test with all the teams simultaneously,” read the statement.
“In fact, this type of testing aimed at technological development and researching new solutions, involves many tires of different types which must be tested with a single car at a time.”
However, Pirelli believes that it has not contravened the rules as it claims that the 12 tires tested were for next season, and the structural change of the tire was also to test anti-delamination measures.
"The tires used were not from the current championship but belonged to a range of products still being developed in view of an eventual renewal of the supply contract.
“None of the tests were carried for the purpose of enhancing specific cars, but only to test tire solutions for future championships.
“Computer simulations have their limitations. We need to put the tires to the test on the track to get the valuable data," said Hembery during the press conference.
"Some teams are telling us that the drivers will be spinning the rear tire in fourth or fifth gear.
"We need to develop the correct tire structure and compound to withstand the increased torque of the engine."
No suitable test car
“Already in March 2012, Pirelli sent an email to all the teams, FIA and FOM, inviting the teams to indicate their availability for testing for the development of tires for 2013," says the press release.
“Further, the company explained that it was necessary to conduct the tests with the teams' cars because it did not have a suitable one of its own.
The company also argued that its actions did not favour Mercedes, which appears to have higher tire wear than any other front running team this season.
On the back of being questioned whether the test benefited Mercedes due to Nico Rosberg's win in Monaco, Hembery asked the journalists: “Who claimed pole position last year in Monaco? -Mercedes.
"Who finished second in Monaco last year? -Rosberg.
“The Mercedes is well suited for Monaco. It has nothing to do with the tire test.”
The FIA's international tribunal, which was set up in 2010, is reported to be considering protests against both Pirelli and the Mercedes team.
Despite in-test season being allowed to assist Pirelli with development, using a current spec car is banned by the FIA, so the company uses an adapted 2010 Renault for tire tests and previously ran a 2009 Toyota.
“In this regard, Pirelli has since 2010 made it clear that it is neither possible nor useful to carry out this type of test with all the teams simultaneously,” read the statement.
“In fact, this type of testing aimed at technological development and researching new solutions, involves many tires of different types which must be tested with a single car at a time.”
 |
| Photo: Pirelli |
However, Pirelli believes that it has not contravened the rules as it claims that the 12 tires tested were for next season, and the structural change of the tire was also to test anti-delamination measures.
"The tires used were not from the current championship but belonged to a range of products still being developed in view of an eventual renewal of the supply contract.
“None of the tests were carried for the purpose of enhancing specific cars, but only to test tire solutions for future championships.
“Computer simulations have their limitations. We need to put the tires to the test on the track to get the valuable data," said Hembery during the press conference.
"Some teams are telling us that the drivers will be spinning the rear tire in fourth or fifth gear.
"We need to develop the correct tire structure and compound to withstand the increased torque of the engine."
No suitable test car
“Already in March 2012, Pirelli sent an email to all the teams, FIA and FOM, inviting the teams to indicate their availability for testing for the development of tires for 2013," says the press release.
“Further, the company explained that it was necessary to conduct the tests with the teams' cars because it did not have a suitable one of its own.
 |
| Photo: McLaren F1 Team |
The company also argued that its actions did not favour Mercedes, which appears to have higher tire wear than any other front running team this season.
On the back of being questioned whether the test benefited Mercedes due to Nico Rosberg's win in Monaco, Hembery asked the journalists: “Who claimed pole position last year in Monaco? -Mercedes.
"Who finished second in Monaco last year? -Rosberg.
“The Mercedes is well suited for Monaco. It has nothing to do with the tire test.”
The FIA's international tribunal, which was set up in 2010, is reported to be considering protests against both Pirelli and the Mercedes team.