After months of discussion, toiling between the teams, arguing and private track testing, Pirelli might scrap its new tyres for the 2013 season altogether.
The sole tyre supplier had hoped to bring its revised tyres – which feature a kevlar belt instead of a steel one – to the Canadian Grand Prix where it hoped to race them on Sunday. Those plans were put on hold to give the teams a chance to test them during practice.
Pirelli then announced it would introduce them at the British GP, but now it has come to light they might not be introduced at all.
Lotus have reacted angrily to the proposed changes which are aimed at reducing the number of delaminations. Team principal Eric Boullier believes certain teams will gain an unfair advantage because of the change in temperature and heat-up time which comes as a result of using kevlar.
Some reports have even suggested Lotus may refuse to race if the tyres are introduced – this is however hearsay – but they strongly oppose the change, which has prompted Pirelli to call a meeting of the teams where a final decision will be made.
The meeting will take place on the monday following the Canadian GP.
Pirelli still aims to reduce the number of delaminations if the new tyres aren’t used this season, but instead it will increase the amount of glue it uses to bond the tread and steel band – whilst this is unlikely to completely put an end to the issue, Pirelli are confident it will reduce the number of incidents.
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