Ecclestone approves tyre tests, rubbishes possible driver boycott

Bernie Ecclestone has given Pirelli the go-ahead for two three-day tyre tests during the 2013 season with a current F1 car – little over a week since an international tribunal reprimanded the tyre manufacturer and the Mercedes team for the way in which they conducted a previous 1,000km test. While the news follows the number of deflations that occurred at the British grand prix on the Sunday, the Formula One boss revealed the changes were made as a result of a meeting held on the Saturday between FIA president Jean Todt, Pirelli Motorsport director Paul Hembery and Ecclestone himself. Ecclestone also stated his opinion on talk of a driver boycott of the German grand prix if nothing is done to solve the tyre problems at Silverstone: "I don't think that will happen. I don't think it's something we need to address," he told the BBC.

Speaking to Autosport’s Jonathan Noble, Hembery told of the improved relationship between the FIA and Pirelli since the tribunal, at which the tyre manufacturer had previously reserved the right to legal action against the motorsport governing body pending its verdict. This includes opening up the possibilities for in-season tyre testing with 2013 teams and cars, at least in the short term, and discussing the possibilities for an end of season trial run for 2014 development tyres in Brazil. The current priority however is to ensure there is no repeat of the scenes at Silverstone – an outcome the FIA appears willing to bend its tyre regulations to achieve.

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• Tyre failures return in dramatic British grand prix
• Mercedes, Pirelli reprimanded over Spain tyre test