Pirelli tire test didn't show much to top driver

ERJ staff report (LMH)

By Adam Cooper, Crain News Service

Detroit, Michigan – Sebastian Vettel was one of the few leading race drivers to attend the recent Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. F1 tire test in Silverstone, England, but the German admitted he didn't learn very much from the experience.

Race drivers were only allowed to try the new Pirelli Formula One tires, and not work on car developments.

"I think testing is always useful," he said. "Obviously the test last week was very limited in what we could do with the cars, so we probably didn't learn that much—we couldn't really change anything on the car, it was all about tires. I think the circumstances were quite special in Silverstone, usually it's never that hot. But it was still interesting.

"As I said, we couldn't do that many adjustments. We basically just put on new tires and fuel!"

Vettel said he thinks the tire testing "was just to get a first feeling. The tires don't seem to be that different, which is good, because we haven't asked for different tires, we have asked for tires that are safe."

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News release from Tire Business