24/03/2013
NEWS STORY
Mat Coch writes:
Red Bull has continued to voice its concerns over this year's Pirelli tyres. Revised compound and constructions for 2013 have thrown a gauntlet at the teams' feet, and it appears Red Bull has tripped over it.
While all the teams acknowledge the tyres are a challenge none are as vocal as Red Bull. Mark Webber has lamented what he perceives to be a tyre-dominated formula, while the team seems to be trying to plant seeds of discontent among the media.
"The whisper in the paddock is that this year's tyres are a bit too extreme," claimed Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko on the official Formula 1 website. "The tyres are not only developing extreme degradation after only a few laps, but (shedding) big chunks.
"It looks like there is an issue with the basics of the tyres, as we have these kinds of issues not only in high temperatures but also under cool conditions."
Marko's comments must be taken with more than just a grain of salt however given there are others capable of making the tyres work. Lotus boss Eric Boullier does not share the Austrian's opinion, believing the tyres provide a challenge which teams must rise to if they've any hope of being successful.
"I can understand why (some teams) are not happy," Boullier reasoned. "The way they designed the car is all based on the aero. This is why when the tyres start to be an important part of the car, and car performance.
"The tyres are the same for everybody," he added. "It's up to each team to adapt to the regulations."
The other argument being put forward is that cars are simply developing too much downforce and therefore putting too much load through the tyres. "It's not like before where downforce is synonymous with low wear," Adrian Newey told Auto Motor und Sport. "Just the opposite occurs. Whoever loads the tyres more in the corners pays the price as the tread peels faster."
Such a suggestion prompted one paddock insider to suggest the solution was therefore obvious; simply take off some downforce.
That Red Bull is a lone (and highly vocal) voice begs the question, why? Is the Milton Keynes team simply crying wolf?