Vettel overcomes tyre blistering to extend F1 championship lead
Blistering issues in qualifying with Pirelli’s Formula One P Zero tyres in Belgium did not stop Sebastian Vettel from converting his pole position into another Grand Prix victory over the 44 laps of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Pirelli was involved in pre-race discussions with Formula One competitors and administrators after its tyres appeared to degrade as a result of the cars’ set-up for the long, fast straights of Spa. Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said that the “problem was seemingly a consequence of some cars placing an excessive load on the inner shoulder of the front tyre due to their set-up and so overheating the compound.” He also explained that this overheating “did not at all affect the structural integrity of the tyre,” an opinion borne out by Vettel’s victory, as he appeared to be one of those most affected by tyre blistering.