Pirelli cancels F1 tire test after robbery attempt

By Stephen Downer, Special to Tire Business

MEXICO CITY — Pirelli & C. S.p.A. canceled an “important” Formula 1 tire test in mid-November at the Interlagos race track in São Paulo after security guards foiled an attack on one of its vehicles at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

“Following a robbery attempt, neutralized by Pirelli security, on a Pirelli van at the Interlagos circuit last Sunday — after a weekend when similar episodes occurred with other teams — it has been decided to cancel the tire test” that was planned for Nov. 14 and 15 on the Brazilian circuit with Team McLaren, Pirelli said in a statement provided to Tire Business.

The company, the exclusive supplier of tires to the F1 championship since 2011, said the decision “was made in the interest of the safety of the personnel, both McLaren's and our own, who would have participated in the test.”

Pirelli consulted British F1 team McLaren, motor sport governing body Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and F1 before calling off the event, the Italian tire maker said.

It did not go into detail about the incident other than saying it occurred on Sunday, Nov. 12, the same day as the Grand Prix.

The day before the race, F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton wrote on Twitter that “some of my (Mercedes) team were held up at gun point last night (while) leaving the circuit here in Brazil. Gun shots fired, gun held at one's head. This is so upsetting to hear. Please say a prayer for my guys who are here as professionals today, even if shaken.”

In an exclusive interview, Roberto Boccafogli, head of Pirelli F1 marketing and media relations, told Tire Business that the Brazilian tests were days 24 and 25 of a season-long, tire testing program in which all 10 F1 teams were involved.

Pirelli used the tests, Mr. Boccafogli said, to help it develop “new compounds and new construction details” in preparation for the coming 2018 F1 season.

According to Mr. Boccafogli, the tires for next season will be wider by 25 percent, “thanks to the new regulations,” as well as softer.

“This explains why not only the Brazilian test but tests throughout the season are considered important,” he added.

However, most of the testing had been completed prior to F1 arriving in Brazil, he said, adding that Pirelli's “whole new range of tires for 2018” were on track in Abu Dhabi for a common two-day testing session on Nov. 28-29, two days after the last Grand Prix of this season.

“This, and the lack of time still available, made it impossible to reschedule the lost Brazilian test.”

Founded in 1872, Pirelli's headquarters are in the Italian city of Milan.

Stephen Downer is a Mexico-based freelance writer who covers that country and Latin America for Tire Business and its Latin America e-newsletter.