Pirelli releases findings on Räikkönen tire problem

In Great Britain, Kimi Räikkönen was heading towards a second place behind the untouchable Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) before seeing its left front tire has failed in the last laps, offering a double to the star mark. The Finn, however, recovered the third step of the podium thanks to another tire problem on the car de Sebastian Vettel.

Pirelli had communicated the results of his analyzes on the tire of the quadruple world champion, but indicated that he needed more time to study Räikkönen's gum. The conclusions of this investigation were made public late yesterday.

“The results of the analysis on the left front tire of the Ferrari of Kimi Räikkönen, who suffered a problem at the end of the recent British Grand Prix, revealed specific damage in two places at the edge of the belt near the inner shoulder.

This damage is not present on all other areas of the tire. In addition, the belt and structure show no signs of fatigue. The possible initial cause of this damage is consistent with contact with an external body., leading to partial separation of the girdle from the carcass in both affected areas.

In one of these two places, as a logical consequence, part of the tread also came off. This damage did not compromise the tire structure, however, and Räikkonen managed to return safely to the pits with an inflated tire.

A number of detailed tests have been carried out, both destructive and non-destructive, on other tires used by the first drivers of the British Grand Prix with a similar or greater lifespan compared to the train used by Räikkönen (25 laps).

EIn no case has any sign of fatigue, detachment or laceration – or even the beginning of such problems – affected the structure of the tire. In conclusion, Pirelli can confirm that no problems related to the tire itself have arisen. »