F1: McLaren perturbed by pit-stop problems

Schumacher blasts Pirelli after tyre issues.

MANAMA: McLaren team chief Martin Whitmarsh said his team will be launching a full internal investigation into the pit-stop problems that threaten to derail the team's Formula One title challenge.

In the aftermath of defending double world champion German Sebastian Vettel's first win of the season for Red Bull in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, Whitmarsh confirmed he had changed the left-rear wheel-gun operator. He also conceded that the escalating pit-stop problems could undermine McLaren's bid for the championship, as Briton Lewis Hamilton warned after he suffered two slow problematic stops during the race.

"There should be an inquest because we gave away a lot of points which championships are lost through,” said Hamilton. “We have to try and pick up on them for the next race."

Whitmarsh reacted to the sense of crisis by confirming the team would treat the whole issue seriously and urgently.

"We'll review lots of things, but I don't think it's a criticism of one man as an individual. He's taken it very badly and it's our job to support him.”

Pirelli defend tyres after Schumacher blast

Formula One tyres suppliers Pirelli defended themselves after being accused by seven-time champion driver Michael Schumacher of creating tyres that prevent drivers pushing their limits.

German Schumacher, 43, who worked his way through the field from 22nd on the grid to finish 10th, for Mercedes, complained that the current tyres prevented all-out racing and were turning F1 into a tyre-conservation contest.

"The main thing I feel unhappy about is that everyone has to drive well below a driver's, and in particular, the car's limits to maintain the tyres,” said the German. "I just question whether the tyres should play such a big importance, or whether they should last a bit longer — and that you can drive at normal racing car speed."

Pirelli were surprised at Schumacher's criticism although it has been clear in the opening four races that tyre-preservation has become an important strategic element.

Massa glad to finally score points

Heading to Bahrain, Felipe Massa held the unenviable statistic of being the only driver in the field, minus those from the three newest teams, not to have scored a point.

He banished that fact on Sunday by finishing in ninth place, by far the Brazilian’s best showing of the season so far.

“It was definitely not a very easy race but in the end we managed to do a good job,” said Massa. "But we are well aware that it is not Ferrari’s style to be happy with ninth.” AFP

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2012.