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MELBOURNE, Australia - Pirelli has denied it decided "to go conservative" for 2014 to avoid a repeat of exploding tyres fiasco of the 2013 Formula 1 season.
The Italy-based tyremaker is having a low-profile start to F1's 2014 'new era' with what is reported to be a better and more durable product. Even the compound choice for Melbourne, where usually the very softest tyres can be used, has raised some eyebrows.
'APPEARS CAUTIOUS'
Pirelli boss Paul Hembery insisted in a report in German-language magazine Spox: "We didn't take our decisions out of fear of criticism. It was just logical - even now nobody really knows how the cars, with new engines, more weight and less fuel, will react with the tyres."
As for the obviously more conservative tyre choice for Melbourne, Hembery explained: "It is true that the choice appears cautious but it is so the teams can focus on their programmes rather than having to work so hard on understanding the tyres."
He added that the criticism of 2013, particularly from Red Bull, had not affected Pirelli's paddock relationships. "Last year is over," he insisted. "We learned a lot, made changes.
"What is expressed in the news media is not always what is said behind closed doors. We should let it go and instead look forward to the new season."
Stay with Wheels24 for the first 2014 F1 race in Australia this weekend.
The Italy-based tyremaker is having a low-profile start to F1's 2014 'new era' with what is reported to be a better and more durable product. Even the compound choice for Melbourne, where usually the very softest tyres can be used, has raised some eyebrows.
'APPEARS CAUTIOUS'
Pirelli boss Paul Hembery insisted in a report in German-language magazine Spox: "We didn't take our decisions out of fear of criticism. It was just logical - even now nobody really knows how the cars, with new engines, more weight and less fuel, will react with the tyres."
As for the obviously more conservative tyre choice for Melbourne, Hembery explained: "It is true that the choice appears cautious but it is so the teams can focus on their programmes rather than having to work so hard on understanding the tyres."
He added that the criticism of 2013, particularly from Red Bull, had not affected Pirelli's paddock relationships. "Last year is over," he insisted. "We learned a lot, made changes.
"What is expressed in the news media is not always what is said behind closed doors. We should let it go and instead look forward to the new season."
Stay with Wheels24 for the first 2014 F1 race in Australia this weekend.
