Mar.23 (GMM) Two prominent figures in the F1 paddock have defended the sport's new supplier Pirelli amid widespread criticism of its 2011 tyres.

"Let's be frank," said Ferrari technical director Aldo Costa when asked about the criticisms, particularly the extreme degradation of the compounds.

"Pirelli only started work in August and in six months developed safe tyres," he told Italy's Corriere dello Sport.

However, Costa acknowledged that the "consistency and performance" of the tyres requires more development, but is sure it is "only a question of when".

Nick Heidfeld, who played a leading role in the development of the tyres as Pirelli's first F1 tester, also defended the Italian marque.

"The criticism is of course justified if you compare the tyres with those of recent years," he acknowledged.

"But considering that Pirelli only knew since the summer that they have to build a formula one tyre, they have done a very good job," the German told sport1.de.

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