NUERBURGRING: Formula One drivers warned on Thursday that they will withdraw from this weekend’s German Grand Prix if they face any repeat of the tyre failures experienced at the British Grand Prix.
In a robust statement following a meeting of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) in the Nuerburgring paddock, they said they will pull out immediately if there is any sign of the dramatic and dangerous blowouts that overshadowed Silverstone last weekend.
The statement said: “The drivers of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association wish to express their deepest concerns about the events that took place at Silverstone.
“We trust that the changes made to the tyres will have the desired results and that similar problems will not occur during the German GP weekend.
“We are ready to drive our cars to the limit, as we always do, and as it is expected by our teams, sponsors and fans.
“However, the drivers have decided that, if similar problems should manifest themselves during the German GP, we shall immediately withdraw from the event, as this avoidable problem with the tyres endangers again the lives of drivers, marshals and fans.”
Tyre suppliers Pirelli have said they are confident that the Kevlar-belted tyres the Italian company has brought to the Nuerburgring will not suffer a repeat of the failures that blighted the race at Silverstone.
Four drivers suffered blow-outs during the race last Sunday.
In the aftermath, the drivers called for immediate action. Pirelli have reacted by switching to a new supply of tyres, but they blamed the blowouts on a combination of low tyre pressures, adverse camber, tyre swapping and kerbs for the problems.
The new Kevlar-belted tyres to be used in Germany will be for this event only.
A new specification, using 2012 construction and 2013 compounds, is scheduled to be introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of the month. - AFP
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