Pirelli say tyre not to blame for Kvyat's crash

07 August 2020 - 08:48 By Reuters
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Danill Kvyat of AlphaTauri during the 2020 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Northamptonshire.
Danill Kvyat of AlphaTauri during the 2020 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Northamptonshire.
Image: FIA Pool/PA Images via Getty Images

Formula One tyre supplier Pirelli said on Thursday they were not to blame for a failure that led to AlphaTauri's Daniil Kvyat crashing out of last weekend's British Grand Prix.

The Russian hit the wall at Silverstone on lap 12, bringing out the safety car.

Pirelli said in a statement that a joint investigation with the Red Bull-owned team had found a mechanical issue had led to the inside of the right-rear wheel rim overheating. That in turn burned the bead of the tyre.

"As a result, the bead was no longer able to seal the tyre onto the rim. This is what caused the subsequent deflation, with the tyre itself playing no part in the cause of the accident," it added.

Kvyat had initially blamed himself for the accident but the team made clear he was not at fault.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now