Amid mutterings in the Monaco paddock that Pirelli tyres are more suited to Ferrari than their main rivals Mercedes and Red Bull, Pirelli chief Marco Tronchetti Provera insists that his company are producing tyres without preference.
Provera told Italian reporters, “The tires are equal for all.”
At the same time he pointed out, “There was very serious work carried out by [Sebastian] Vettel and Ferrari over the winter. Vettel was always ready, with humility, to test when others were not available and the results are the fruit of much dedicated work by a team that has done everything to win.”
The Pirelli CEO was referring to testing done last year, in which Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes were tasked to develop the tyres for this season during a series of tests.
Provera added, “Perhaps Mercedes have enjoyed many successes and now is on an uphill road, but they will get there too. Ferrari have worked hard as a team and achieved what no one expected, you have to give credit where credit is due. We should be pleased with the work of the Italian team. Well done everyone.”
“We have developed what was asked for by drivers and teams with tyres that are three to four seconds per lap faster, which is enormous. Drivers are having fun and this is fundamental for the success of the show.”
“Vettel is an example that serious work gets the results,” he explained.
With regards to Formula 1 under new ownership of Liberty Media, Provera said, “If Formula 1 continues as it has in the wake [Bernie] Ecclestone, we will be there. We see are inspired by the desire to make this show something appealing to young people to races.”
Pirelli have been exclusive tyre suppliers to Formula 1 since 2011. Their first involvement in the sport came about in 1950 when modern Formula 1 began, supplying tyres to World Champions from 1950 to 1954 and again in 1957, competing with the likes of Firestone, Dunlop, Englebert and Avon during that period.
The company was also involved in supplying tyres for teams in the eighties and early nineties.
Big Question: Is a single tyre supplier good for Formula 1?