18/09/2015
NEWS STORY
Following the "misunderstanding" at Monza, the FIA and Pirelli have agreed new tyre pressure procedures.
A late check on the first four cars on the grid at Monza was to lead to fears that Lewis Hamilton might be stripped of his win. However, following a two-hour investigation it was deemed that no further action need be taken as Mercedes had not done anything illegal.
However, the stewards called on the FIA and Pirelli to provide clear guidance to the teams on measurement procedures.
Confirming earlier this week that it would be meeting with the FIA in Singapore, Pirelli said: "We will be defining, together with the FIA, a clearer procedure enabling the teams to more easily follow the rules regarding tyre usage. This is important to avoid any misunderstandings, by giving the teams more precise indications to comply with, thus avoiding what happened to Mercedes in Monza."
Said meeting took place between Pirelli's Mario Isola and the FIA's Charlie Whiting, and the sport's governing body subsequently informed the teams that it had "been informed by Pirelli that their tyres may only be operated safely if the prescriptions set out in their preview document at each event are strictly followed".
In the subsequent directive explaining the new procedures, the FIA said: "During all practice sessions, qualifying and race, excluding the set used to start the race, it will be the pressure measured immediately after the set of tyres in question is fitted to the car. The race start set will be measured at any time after the five minutes signal."
"When measured, the pressure must be equal to or higher than the minimum set out in the preview. If the pressure is below the minimum requirement teams will be given the opportunity to adjust it.
"Measurements may be taken from any corner of the car. Measurements must be made with a gauge calibrated at or by Pirelli, and subsequently sealed by the FIA.
"After the checks have been carried out, and any necessary adjustment made in the presence of a scrutineers, no further adjustments may be made."
In terms of tyre blanket temperatures, checks will be made on the tread and sidewall and the temperature must be equal to or lower than the maximum set out in the preview.
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