02/08/2015
NEWS STORY
As the powers-that-be seeks fresh ways to spice up the sport, one of the suggestions that came out of the most recent meeting of the infamous Strategy Group was for teams to be given a choice of which compounds they wish to use at each race rather than relying on the two compounds picked by Pirelli.
Whilst it is said teams being left to their own devices in terms of choosing would mix things up racing-wise, Pirelli is concerned not only at the increased costs but also the safety element.
However, keen to help spice up the racing, and aware that the sport is currently pondering who will get the F1 tyre supply contract, Pirelli is in talks with the teams.
"We're having some pretty good ongoing discussions with the teams and the FIA and we seem to be homing in on a solution that gives the variety of choice they'd like to have and gives us an element of security that strange decisions aren't made," revealed Paul Hembery.
"So we're hopeful that in the next few weeks we'll be able to convey that to everybody, so that we can start working towards next year."
With the new tyre supply contract in mind, team bosses were asked if they had any preferences, interestingly, most were not concerned so much at the spectacle or performance, but money.
"We've been going through various phases with Pirelli and they have a pretty difficult task to fulfil what's in vogue," admitted Toto Wolff.
"We want to have more stops and a spectacular tyre which loses grip quickly; we've had that a couple of years ago, we didn't like it. Then of course, as a tyre manufacturer, safety is most important so you go more conservative; then it was not enough stops and because we are heading into another year with Pirelli, whatever happens afterwards, we need to concentrate on that partnership and try to resolve '16, produce and influence a tyre as good as we can in a mutual partnership and collaboration for 2016 and have the best possible product for the best possible show.
"What happens beyond that is out of our hands because it's between the FIA and the commercial rights holder to tender and to decide. Commercial terms are going to play a role and therefore I would rather keep concentrated on my current wife."
"Pirelli is doing a really good job, because in the past we didn't have any problems with the tyres but nevertheless, from the commercial side, the more money you get from a tyre manufacturer the better it is for the teams," said Franz Tost.
"The commercial offering is extremely important," added Graeme Lowden. "If we end up with a new tyre deal that requires the teams to go and find more money, then we'll be chasing more money again. It's the old saying: turnover is vanity and profit is sanity. There needs to be a whole lot of sanity and I think a way to reach that is to ensure that we have the right commercial package in place."
"I think what we're basically saying is that whoever pays the most cash will sit here and say we love and think they should be the right supplier for Formula One," said Christian Horner, revealing a sense of loyalty that will no doubt leave Renault wondering where he and his team have been hiding it.
"An 18 inch rim and a one stop is going to do nothing for the spectacle of a Grand Prix and I think actually we need to be looking at doing the opposite," he continued, referring to Michelin's proposal, "getting two-to three-stop races, controlled degradation, maybe more choice for the teams in terms of the tyres that they can take to Grands Prix, all the things that we're talking about.
"I think Pirelli have done a good job since they've been involved in the sport, they've been supportive of Formula One through hard times as well as the good times. And hopefully with the cars that are coming for 2017, that are going to be quite a bit different, quite a bit quicker, with tyres that are significantly different to what we have now as well, then that represents a great challenge and hopefully Pirelli will be successful with that."