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F1: Helmut Marko wants tire improvements ''as soon as possible''

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko has admitted he is not satisfied with the minor tweak made by Pirelli ahead of next weekend's Spanish grand prix.

So far in 2013, world champions Red Bull have been putting pressure on F1's official supplier to significantly change this season's heavily-degrading tires.

But, after the first four 'flyaway' grands prix, Pirelli has announced that only a minor tweak will be made to the 'hard' compound tire for Barcelona and beyond.

Red Bull's Marko said on Monday: "We want - as soon as possible - a tire that does not limit our potential," he is quoted by DPA news agency.

"It should be that you are able to get the most out of your car," he said at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Spielberg, Austria.

F1 Pirelli Red Bull
Photo: Pirelli

Marko argues that the current Pirelli tires are penalising the very best cars, like Red Bull's RB9.

"If we use our full potential, we cannot even last a full lap of qualifying. To tell your drivers that they are not allowed to drive some corners properly is not easy," claimed Marko.

A Red Bull team insider told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "If we had a normal tire, Vettel would be half a second quicker than everyone on each track.

"We know it from our simulations," the source added.



Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada