Michael Schumacher criticises Pirelli tyres after 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix – Formula 1 news
Mercedes AMG driver Michael Schumacher has criticised the new Pirelli tyres after 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix in which he faced high levels of degradation during the weekend.
The seven-time world champion qualified for 22nd place in the grid for the race on Sunday after facing five-place grid penalty. Moreover, he could only score one point in the Bahrain GP as he secured 10th place finish.
In addition, the legendary Schumacher said that the tyre management has become very crucial to achieve success in the races.
“I had to drive at a pace to manage the tyres to finish with tyres left over,” he told the BBC after the race. “We should question whether that should be the case. It's unsatisfying and not what a Formula One event should be.”
He also said that in this season Pirelli’s tyres have only suited couple of contenders despite the fact that the races so far have been won by the drivers of the four different teams with completely different car setups.
“If 80 or 90% complain, maybe Pirelli should think about it,” he added. “I don't think it is right only one or two teams can handle it and the rest struggle so much.”
On the other hand, Paul Hembery, the director of Pirelli motorsport said that Schumacher, who is now criticising the tyres, was quite pleased with the performance of the tyres during the pre-season testing.
“His [Schumacher’s] comments during winter testing were that he was very happy with the tyres, and now he seems to have changed his tune,” said Hembery.
The Brackley-based team has been deemed as the one of the most competent teams to fight for this year’s championship title. Furthermore, they have a perfect blend of experience and talent in their pair of veteran German drivers, Schumacher and his teammate,
Nico Rosberg.
It will be important to mention that as compared to his compatriot, Rosberg is currently standing on sixth position in the drivers’ championship with 35 points. Besides, he took his maiden victory in the third race at Shanghai International Circuit after
claiming his first pole and secured an impressive fifth place finish in the fourth race.
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