Kimi Raikkonen says Pirelli tyres impact on the season results is exaggerated – Formula 1 news
Kimi Raikkonen believes that the impact of the tyres on the sport has been over emphasised.
The Finn said that instead of the tyres it is the refuelling ban that has a bigger impact this season. The Pirelli tyres have been criticised by a few drivers including Michael Schumacher while others have praised them.
The former players have mostly been in praise of the tyres as the new rubber compounds have brought in a lot of strategic game-play into the sport and made it more exciting. It has also opened up the sport and the season has been very open ended and not
dominated by one or two teams.
So far in the season there have been five different winners of five different teams. Raikkonen however says that it is not due to the tyres it is due to the refuelling ban introduced for 2012 that is causing the shuffling up of the order.
He said that although Pirelli has its role in this year’s performances but it cannot be singled out as the only reason behind it.
“I don't think the nature is different because of that,” Raikkonen told Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat about the impact of Pirelli. “It's because of the amount of the fuel on board. I don't think there would be that much problem with these tyres, if we
would race with 50 or 60 kilos, when we start.”
“Previously the pit stops were made usually after every 20 laps, while we had less fuel. I think it would have been the same situation with Michelins and Bridgestone if we would have this much fuel as we have now,” he added.
Raikkonen however said that he is fond of the Pirelli compounds and mentioned that they have been quite good for him in the qualifiers and provide good grip as well.
It will be interesting to note who wins the Monaco Grand Prix, It might finally be a winner from a team that has already seen a winner in the season. Ferrari have looked very strong since they introduced their update package on the car. Lotus have had two
back to back podium finishes. Speculation though has meant little in the season so far.
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