Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery insists Pirelli will continue to do what it is asked to do should it retain the contract to supply tyres in Formula 1 in 2017.
Michelin had made a number of demands to how the tyres should be in its own proposal, including the introduction of 18-inch rims and longer lasting grip levels, but Pirelli say they are only interested on doing what Formula 1 wants it to do.
“I have no interest in their proposal,” said Hembery. “We are following the rules and we are following what the sport has asked us to do.
“The sport has asked us to do a certain job as a supplier and partner to the sport. We do what they want us to do. It is very simple so that is what we will do.”
Hembery said he was a little confused to why Michelin would demand a switch to 18-rims when the current 13-inch rims are stated in the regulations, and feels Formula 1 would be best to remain with the 13-inch rims.
“The rules say it is the current size, and in 2017 there is a move for a 420mm width,” said Hembery. “It would be like an engine manufacturer turning up and saying they will only come in if they can have a 2.4-litre V8. The rules say it is a 1.6-litre turbo.
“So I don’t know. The rules are as they are today, the impression is that after the last strategy group they would go to a 420mm wide tyre. We can only supply what the rules say we should supply.”
