FOM: We have full confidence in safety, quality and suitability of Pirelli tyres

A message on the official F1 website under the auspices of Formula One Management (FOM), but clearly from the desk of Bernie Ecclestone supports Pirelli amid the Spa blowout saga.

In the aftermath of Pirelli's statement here>>> which in effect points to debris and excessive tyre mileage for the blowouts which afflicted the Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel (during the race) and Nico Rosberg (during practice), FOM has reacted by showing solidarity with the Italian manufacturer.

The crux of the FOM statement being that Pirelli was mandated by teams and just about everyone connected to the sport to spice up the show with their tyres. And they believe that this box has been ticked.

Pirelli has been a first class partner of Formula One during the five seasons in which it has been the Official Supplier of Tyres to the FIA Formula One World Championship and we continue to have full confidence in the safety, quality and suitability of its tyres.

Within the constraints of safety considerations, which are always paramount, Formula 1 encourages Pirelli to provide tyre compounds with performance limitations because tyre degradation contributes to the challenge and entertainment of a Formula 1 race.

When doing so, Pirelli provides strong guidance to competitors about any performance limitations of the tyres supplied. Competitors should heed Pirelli’s expert advice when setting their race strategy and tactics, and if they do not, it is at their own risk.

We are entirely satisfied that Pirelli was not at fault for any tyre-related incidents during the 2015 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix.

Pirelli has offered to provide to each car a single set of tyres to last for an entireevent. While we know that they would be very capable of it, a race with no pit stops would be less exciting.

Thank you, Pirelli, for helping us to deliver excitement to Formula One fans!