Two former champions have hit back at claims the tyre situation in 2013 is ruining formula one.<\/p>\n
Mika Hakkinen said he does not agree with those who think Pirelli’s heavily degrading tyres should be drastically amended.<\/p>\n
“I am of the opinion that motor racing is show business,” the 1998 and 1999 world champion told Finnish broadcaster MTV3 in Monaco.<\/p>\n
Hakkinen said the plethora of “overtaking and pitstops” is interesting for the fans, and so it’s up to F1’s engineers and drivers to “develop a car and driving style” that looks after the tyres.<\/p>\n
He said the main reason for the controversy is some teams who are struggling with the situation “using the media to throw fuel on the fire”.<\/p>\n
Four-time world champion Alain Prost, also in Monaco, agrees: “I think in the past there has been much criticism for there not being a show.<\/p>\n
“We should feel very lucky that we have these kinds of races.”<\/p>\n
At any rate, Paul Hembery has announced that – if the Italian supplier is still in F1 next year – Pirelli will take a “step back” and a more “cautious” approach for the sweeping new turbo V6 regulations.<\/p>\n
“I think that we won’t be having discussions about tyres next year,” laughed Force India’s Bob Fernley.\u00a0 “It will be a completely different programme.”<\/p>\n
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