Mar.7 (GMM) Pirelli did not design its 2011 tyre, or the product's forthcoming development programme, with any specific driver in mind.

Some drivers, notably Felipe Massa and Michael Schumacher, struggled on last year's Bridgestones and saw the arrival of Pirelli as an opportunity to race on tyres more suited to their driving style.

So far, drivers who favour stronger front grip and oversteer are reportedly enjoying the characteristics of the Pirellis.

But the Italian marque's motor sport boss Paul Hembery insists: "We did not design our tyres for the specific needs of a driver like Michael Schumacher in mind."

Hembery revealed that when the German did a race simulation in Barcelona recently, he stopped three times for new tyres.

"For the strategists but also for the drivers, the races are now an even greater challenge," the Briton told Auto Bild.

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version