Under pressure Formula 1 supplier Pirelli has been surprised by the threat of a boycott of the German Grand Prix by drivers but expects no problems with its new tyres and is planning to stay in the sport.
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association announced on Thursday that its members would withdraw from this weekend's German Grand Prix if the blowouts, similar to the five which marred Sunday's British race occur again and endanger their lives.
After the intervention of the governing FIA, Pirelli has brought upgraded rear tyres to the Nurburgring with an inner belt made of the synthetic fibre Kevlar rather than steel.
"It was a little bit surprising having just had a meeting with them going through it," Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery told a small group of reporters about the boycott threat.
"At the end of the day we have to make sure we don't have any issues like we had at Silverstone. That's the bottom line."
Pirelli hit the headlines in May for a "secret" test with Mercedes, which led to the German team being barred from a young driver test - now open to race drivers as well - at Silverstone this month.
Subbed by AJN.
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