MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 05:59:13| >> :120:78470:78470:

Paul Hembery: 'Mercedes have solved tyre trouble'

Mercedes have now solved their early-season tyre problems, according to Pirelli chief Paul Hembery.

Mercedes have now solved their early-season tyre problems, according to Pirelli chief Paul Hembery.

The German team bounced back from their podium absence at Monaco to dominate in Canada two weeks ago.

"The hard work paid off," Hembery told Germany's Auto Bild.

"What they did between Monaco and Canada was impressive - a dramatic step."

He also played down recent speculation that Mercedes's struggle was amplified by an alleged advantage gained by Sebastian Vettel over the winter, as the Ferrari driver participated heavily in Pirelli's 2017 test programme.

"We would have liked more top drivers as committed to work as Sebastian was [to join him]," Hembery said.

"He gave us important feedback from morning to night, pushing us in the direction the drivers wanted, and we have to thank him because it makes a difference whether an inexperienced driver or one of the best tests tyres."

However, he thinks that any advantage Vettel got was fleeting.

"If there was an advantage, it was at the very first winter test this year," said Hembery.

The championship continues on Sunday with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

ID:301053: cacheID:301053:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2047:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Valtteri Bottas of Williams in the paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on April 28, 2016
Read Next:
Bottas: 'Still too early for contract talk'
>
rhs 2.0


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!