Red Bull boss Christian Horner happy to see transformation in Pirelli tyres

Red Bull Racing’s boss Christian Horner believes the change of tyres will give them more advantage

Red Bull Racing’s boss Christian Horner was relieved to see Pirelli admit to the defects in their tyres and swap them for an improved version.

Red Bull top the constructor’s standings by 69 points in the 2013 Formula One season, courtesy the impressive performances of both their drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

Speaking to Autosport, Horner, whose team was vociferous and forthright in speaking about the issues with Pirelli’s tyres, said: “We were just being honest; we weren’t hiding behind the issue and being politically correct.

“We were saying what a lot of people were telling us in private but perhaps didn’t have the balls to say in public.

“I think our position has been totally persistent and thankfully something has been done. Whether that disadvantages or helps us, I have got no idea.

“I don’t think in reality it changes anything. I just think it is better for Formula 1.”

Pirelli tyres start deteriorating quicker than usual, which meant teams with faster cars could not accelerate, thereby nullifying the advantage they have over other teams.

Red Bull’s boss added: “I think what we could see early on is that we have got a quick car, but the tyres were becoming a very dominant factor. Our comments about the tyres were consistent all the way from Melbourne to Silverstone.

“Nothing changed even though we’ve managed to win three races up to that point, we felt that they were too marginal and that it wasn’t right for the drivers to having to drive so far within themselves and there were issues with the tyres sustaining damage.”

Since the British Grand Prix, which was maimed by a number of irregularities, new tyres are being used now.

He concluded by saying, “I think with the changes that have been made recently, really since Montreal, we have seen the drivers being able to push much harder in the races and really test each other.”

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