Sergio Perez has slammed Pirelli’s response to his Korean Grand Prix tyre blow-out after the Mexican’s front-right exploded whilst he was travelling at 160mph.
Pirelli’s Paul Hembery attributed the ‘delamination’ to a flat-spot on the tyre which was a result of Perez locking up at turn one, just a few seconds before the tyre exploded.
“We have been able to determine very quickly that it was the result of a flat spot caused by a lock-up under heavy braking,” he said after. “We’re obviously on exactly the same construction as we raced here last year, so there’s no underlying problem, while flat spots or punctures have just always been an integral part of racing.”
Perez believes that response is unacceptable and says it is a critical safety concern which Pirelli must immediately look into and make the required changes if necessary.
“[This is] the first time that a tyre exploded from a lock up, and then we hear that this is normal! I think that this is not normal at all,” he said. “We have a lot of lock ups and it’s easy to lock up in a Formula car. But what is not normal is that we get used to seeing explosions of the tyres and the tread coming away from the tyres. It is absolutely not acceptable for the teams and the drivers. It is just not acceptable.
“The first issue is the safety. If you have a lock up and your tyre then explodes, it is a big concern. Definitely these kinds of issues have to be addressed and we have to get on top of it. You have heard from all the drivers that we are concerned. Not about degradation and looking after the tyres – that’s part of the game – but this has become a safety issue.”
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