Raikkonen's tyre failure caused by external damage

Pirelli has concluded the tests surrounding Kimi Raikkonen's tyre failure at the British Grand Prix, claiming that "no issues have emerged connected with the tyre itself". In the final stages of the race just under two weeks ago, Raikkonen's front left tyre failed, causing the Finn to limp back to the pits.

Only moments later, the other Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel also suffered a puncture and Pirelli announced that there would be an investigation into the incidents right away. Last week, the Italian manufacturer concluded that Vettel's failure came as a result of a slow puncture.

Pirelli did indeed indicate post-race that the two incidents were caused by separate factors. While Vettel's problems came with a slow puncture, Raikkonen's statement underlined "specific damage in two places at the edge of the belt close to the internal shoulder area" with the cause coming from "consistent with contact against an external body".

Full Pirelli statement 

"This damage is not present throughout any other areas of the tyre whatsoever. Furthermore, the belt and the structure do not show any signs of fatigue. The possible initial cause of this damage is consistent with contact against an external body, leading to a partial separation of the belt from the carcass in the two affected areas.

"In one of these two places, as a logical consequence, part of the tread also became detached. This damage did not however compromise the actual tyre structure, with Räikkönen able to make his way safely back to the pits on an inflated tyre.

"A number of detailed tests have since been carried out, both destructive and non-destructive, on other tyres used by frontrunners at the British Grand Prix with a similar or bigger distance on them compared to the set used by Räikkönen (for 25 laps).

"On no occasion was there any sign of fatigue, detachment or laceration – or even the beginning of such problems – that affected the structure of the tyre. In conclusion, Pirelli can confirm that no issues have emerged connected with the tyre itself."  

Fergal Walsh