Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes AMG F1 W06 returns in the truck after his Pirelli tyre deflated in FP2, Belgian Grand Prix, Practice, Spa Francorchamps, Belgium, Friday 21 August 2015. © Sutton Motorsport Images
“There are no signs of structural integrity issue of the tyre, neither on other tyres used by Mercedes nor on tyres used on other vehicles,” read a Pirelli statement.
“Video footage shows a tyre problem on Rosberg’s car which is consistent with an external cut into the tyre structure. Quality data check on other tyres has shown no anomalies.”
The tyre on Rosberg’s F1 W06 Hybrid deflated at high speed midway through FP2, plunging the German into a spin approaching Blanchimont and bringing an end to his Friday running. He topped the times nonetheless.
