Punctures: Pirelli blames debris

Since the new tires were brought to the Hungarian Grand Prix, the paddock of the F1 thought he had gotten rid of the delamination affair which had his biggest crisis at Silverstone and which forced the FIA ​​to step up to allow Pirelli to modify its tires. However, Sebastian Vettel et Fernando Alonso both suffered a mysterious puncture on their right rear tire during the second free practice session at Spa-Francorchamps disputed this afternoon. The Italian manufacturer is working intensively to identify the exact cause of these incidents and above all seeks to reassure the teams about the reliability of its new compounds.

According to Paul Hembery, the first elements indicate that the punctures occurred with an element not dependent on Pirelli's responsibility. “Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso both suffered a puncture towards the end of the session at turn 14 and we are currently investigating the cause. After initial analyses, it appears that the two punctures were caused by an external element, probably debris on the track. » After benefiting from a competitive session in the dry with hard and medium tires, the F1 supplier was able to highlight the different strategies applicable for the race if conditions remain normal in the Belgian Ardennes. “We expect two or three stops under normal racing circumstances. But with the risk of rain and frequent safety car outings at Spa, a flexible approach will undoubtedly pay off. There are many choices for this weekend. »