Whitmarsh defends Pirelli after tyre criticisms

Martin Whitmarsh has leapt to Pirelli’s defence amid widespread criticism of the marque’s 2011 tyres.

Some drivers are bemoaning the tyres’ severe degradation, but McLaren and FOTA chief Whitmarsh believes some of those views are unfair.

“We complain about high wear, but no one talks about the good grip of the tyres when new,” he reportedly told Motor Sport.

“The wear can only be high because the grip when new is high.  The drivers and teams should perhaps be more careful in their expressions,” Dutch website f1today.nl quotes the Briton as saying.

“It’s easy to step into the car and complain, but we want more pitstops and we want cars that at various stages of the race are fighting with their tyres.  That’s part of the show,” insisted Whitmarsh.

“Bridgestone were always a great partner, but from my position at FOTA I have heard several times in recent years pressure for tyres with more risk.

“But now we publicly criticise the degradation of these (Pirelli) tyres.

“The job of tyre supplier is a thankless one, as the higher wear is a feature that was requested to make the show better,” he added.

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