Williams technical director Sam Michael defends Pirelli rubber – Formula 1 news
As Pirelli is facing different reactions from the drivers, William’s technical director Sam Michael has jumped in for their rescue.
He has ‘praised’ Pirelli rubber and said that in a limited timeframe they have done a good job. He further explained that the new rubber will induce more pit-stops. Pirelli have taken over from the Bridgestone in 2011 as a sole supplier of tyres of Formula
1. They have made four different compounds and have deliberately kept the wear rate of tyres high as directed by the FIA.
Pirelli have faced far contradicting views with some drivers like Mark Webber, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg defending Pirelli rubber by saying that it will impose more pit-stops thereby making the game more interesting.
On the other hand, drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Jenson button think that the tyres will not be helpful. Vettel said that the marbles left by the tyres will stick to the hot tyres of the following car, thereby compromising the grip while Button said
that their balance is questionable.
Sam Michael shares positive feeling about Pirelli and said, “We are comparing our tyre degradation and grip to a very high benchmark and to somebody (Bridgestone) that had been in the sport for many years.”
He further explained that Pirelli have done three-way improvements in manufacturing grounds. He explains firstly Pirelli are constantly working on their tyres as they have already improved from the Valencia to the Barcelona test. Second are the drivers who
are learning on these tyres. Thirdly, the teams are using different set-ups for their car maximising down force and degradation.
He further said, “I'm quite sure in the first few races we will be into multiple stop strategies. I think there will be a minimum of two stops and maybe three stops in some of the early races. I'd be surprised if it went any worse than that. But that will
improve as the year goes on.”
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