German Grand Prix: Can lessons be learnt from Silverstone?

 

The upcoming German Grand Prix could be a crucial one for all drivers; after safety concerns at the British Grand Prix, it is hoped that Pirelli's new tyre design is much safer with Kevlar replacing metal inside the tyres. After four incidents last weekend, the race at the Nurburgring will prove whether the tyres can last a race distance. Pirelli insist that the kerbs are not to blame for the explosions of tyres.

Originally, Pirelli were initially tasked to make races more interesting by making sure that teams and drivers conduct more pitstops, and this has certainly been achieved but to much criticism from drivers for providing too many pitstops. Michael Schumacher has described driving with the Pirelli tyres like driving on Raw Eggshells last season. It is a bad criticism on Pirelli, one of the worlds most famous tyre manufacturer. The German Grand Prix this weekend should be an interesting one, the tyres will be heavily talked about during coverage and commentry, and it will be intersting if any of the drivers can catch Sebastian Vettel up in the drivers championship standings.

In response to the safety issues, FIA has permitted teams to conuct 2 3-day tests, which would in breech of rules regarding in-season testing, which recently Mercedes were cleared of all but a slap on the wrist. It was reported that Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 ring leader asked FIA boss Jean Todt if it is possible to conduct tests which Todt gave permission to. With the Mercedes tyre storm over, it turns out Ferrari performed similar tests but obviously no investigation has been carried out regarding Ferraris involvement in any Pirelli tests.

The race will occur this Sunday (7th July) and Alonso who is second in the standings will hope that he can catch Vettel up in the drivers standings; there is a 21 point gap, and Vettel will hope he does not suffer with a gearbox failure at his home grand prix. Mercedes are looking strong this season thanks to Nico Rosbergs almost faultless driving, and Hamilton as a good supporting act-who could of won in Britain but tyre failure ended any chances of a victory. Tune in on Sunday for the race.

Mercedes 'Tyregate' storm.

It has come about recently that Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team took on a secret tyre test conducted by Pirelli, which has breached regulations regarding no in season testing.

The hearing will take place on June 20th, and if found guilty, punnishments could could occur such as championship points being stripped. The arguement by rival teams includes that Mercedes gained an advantage from the tyre test such as improving tyre durabillity. The 'secret' test took place after the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

Why a secret?

Amazing how it has been deemed as a secret test which in turn means the team know it would be breaching rules if found out. After this, it appeared that Ferrari were asked about another test. Red Bull Racing says that they were approached about the test but rejected it. Lewis Hamilton and Ross Brawn vigarously point out the test was within sporting regulations and they have done nothing wrong. Thr current W04 has had a reputation of huge tyre delamination, therefore, coincidence or not, after this test Nico Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix where the tyres lasted very well compared to previous races and seasons.

Now the F1 world will wait to see what happens at the hearing on 20th June. Breach of rules usually ends up with a punishment. Worst case scenarios include stripping on championship points, race wins or a financial penalty. As only 2 races have occured after the test, Nico Rosbergs win could be overturned and Hamiltons podium at the Canadian GP could be eleminated.

It is up for debate, what do you readers think?