FOM backs Pirelli as 'first class' tyre supplier

The Formula One rights holder, FOM, has issued a statement to back Pirelli, saying it supports Pirelli in its quest to provide degrading tyres while the company itself is highly capable of creating a race weekend-lasting tyre specification.

"Pirelli has been a first class partner of Formula One during the five seasons in which it has been the Official Supplier of Tyres to the FIA Formula One World Championship and we continue to have full confidence in the safety, quality and suitability of its tyres.

"Within the constraints of safety considerations, which are always paramount, Formula One encourages Pirelli to provide tyre compounds with performance limitations because tyre degradation contributes to the challenge and entertainment of a Formula One race. When doing so, Pirelli provides strong guidance to competitors about any performance limitations of the tyres supplied. Competitors should heed Pirelli’s expert advice when setting their race strategy and tactics, and if they do not, it is at their own risk."

Contrary to initial beliefs that pointed to excessive wear for Sebastian Vettel's right rear tyre failure late in the Belgian GP, Pirelli later found it that, even though the thread had worn for 70%, the actual tyre failure was caused by debris.

"We are entirely satisfied that Pirelli was not at fault for any tyre-related incidents during the 2015 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix.

"Pirelli has offered to provide to each car a single set of tyres to last for an entire Event. While we know that they would be very capable of it, a race with no pit stops would be less exciting.

"Thank you, Pirelli, for helping us to deliver excitement to Formula One fans!"