Pirelli say tyre failure did not cause Vettel retirement
2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Vettel retired moments after the start in Abu Dhabi
Pirelli say Sebastian Vettel’s tyre did not fail of its own accord when he retired from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A statement release by the tyre manufacturer said: “Following an extensive investigation of the circumstances that led to Sebastian Vettel’s right-rear tyre suddenly deflating on the opening lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a structural failure of the tyre has been ruled out as the cause by Pirelli’s engineers.”
“The tyre in question was a part of a set of P Zero Yellow softs that the Red Bull driver had used to qualify on pole the day before.
“Following the incident at the first corner, Vettel completed a lap in order to return to the pits, during which the flapping rubber caused damage to the bodywork and running gear, forcing the world champion into his first retirement of the year.
“Although not much remained of the tyre afterwards, there was enough for Pirelli’s engineers to carry out a full investigation, in collaboration with Red Bull. Having subjected the tyre to minute analysis, structural failure of the tyre or valve has been ruled out as a cause of the incident. Track debris or other outside circumstances cannot be excluded as a possible cause.”
Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery added: “We can confirm that a structural failure was not the cause of Sebastian Vettel’s deflation in Abu Dhabi, a conclusion that we have arrived at together with Red Bull Racing following a detailed examination and analysis of the remains of the tyre.
“We cannot rule out debris on the track causing damage to the tyre, which then provoked a deflation, but having looked at the track closely there is no direct evidence of this.”
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Image © Red Bull/Getty images
Blog_Raider said on 17th November 2011, 5:58
Yadayadayadayada..too much fuzz about a blown tyre, other people had tyre issues throught the year and not too much was said about them, not to mention, even Bridgestones were not immune to blowouts or deflations…
At the end of the day, it was not a title deciding failure, give it a rest Vettel!!!
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 17th November 2011, 8:17
Give what a rest?
Blog_Raider said on 17th November 2011, 17:47
The whole enquiry…
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner) said on 17th November 2011, 13:15
So, you’re driving your car and suddenly your tyre blows, forcing you to veer almost uncontrollably off the road, would you not want answers?
Blog_Raider said on 17th November 2011, 17:49
well, things happen, he is not the first nor is he the last, but frankly am tired of hearing about Vettel’s tyre (was the race that boring??)!
Ninad (@nin13) said on 17th November 2011, 13:14
Of course numbskulls Vettel’s retirement was not due to tyre failure but rather due to suspension and wishbone damage caused due to tyre failure.
celeste (@celeste) said on 17th November 2011, 15:37
lol
Wilky112 said on 17th November 2011, 16:27
did anyone notice horners face was more “oh no were butsted” rather than “oh no what bad luck” lol
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 17th November 2011, 16:31
What’s the difference?
Wilky112 said on 17th November 2011, 19:48
the tyre going pop had something to do with there genius design on the car rather than a simple blowout?
ob1kenobi.23 (@ob1kenobi23) said on 19th November 2011, 23:39
The exhaust theory does’nt make sense to me.
I’ve always heard Christian & Adrian say that the Renault engine is cold blowing & the fuel supply is cut off during the open throttle instances & they are not igniting the gasses.
They say this is for cooling purposes & they need to do it for engine reliability.
I often wondered if this is what allowed them build a gap at the start of the race due to a smaller fuel load.
The other cars being hot blowing.