Formula 1 - Tire marbles 'improved' after Pirelli test

ERJ staff report (TP)

Sakhir, Bahrain − Although the three-day run at Sakhir was marred by a 200mph (321kph) tire blowout for Nico Rosberg that ended Mercedes' testing early, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has revealed that there have also been some positive indications, reported Jonathan Noble for Eurosport.

In particular, he says the running there has shown the problems of marbles [tiny bits of rubber tire detritus that accumulate on the racetrack], which drivers have complained about, appears to have been solved.

"Pirelli has been working in Bahrain, which is one of the most difficult tracks we go to. That is why it was important we are going to test there in February," Domenicali said.

"Next year's tires are not going to be defined after this test, but after the second session in Bahrain, and we are adapting to the new tires.

"But we have seen so far that even though only four cars have been running that the marbles seem to be improved."

Ferrari development driver Pedro de la Rosa and its protégé and Marussia race driver Jules Bianchi have carried out driving duties for the Italian squad at the test.

Domenicali commended Pirelli's efforts to make improvements for 2014.

"Pirelli is working hard to respond to a difficult season and a difficult situation it has faced," he said.

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