Formula One: ‘Debris most likely cause of puncture’

Pirelli has confirmed that Vettel’s retirement from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix not caused by a structural failure.

LONDON: Pirelli has confirmed that Sebastian Vettel’s retirement from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was not caused by a structural failure of his right-rear tyre, citing debris as a likely reason for the puncture. Vettel spun out in the second corner of the race after his tyre deflated coming out of turn one. There was little left of the tyre, but by analysing what was left of it Pirelli was able to rule out a structural failure. “A structural failure wasn’t the cause of deflation,” said Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Paul Hembery. “We can’t rule out debris on the track damaging the tyre, but there’s no direct evidence of this.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2011.