Are some teams providing false data to Pirelli?

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Pirelli says that some teams have purposefully "exaggerated" downforce values as the F1 supplier sets its tyre operating guidelines before Grands Prix.

In Barcelona last week, before Friday's free practice, the Italian manufacturer reversed its tendency to allow lower tyre pressures, and Germany's Auto Motor und Sport has a theory as to why that happened.

The report contends that Mercedes has struggled on lower tyre pressures in 2017, after utterly dominating in previous years with higher pressures.

Horner: Red Bull misled by Pirelli 2017 test programme

Then, ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Pirelli increased the mandatory pressure guidelines after analysing downforce data provided by the various teams.

"The suspicion in the paddock is that Pirelli is deliberately being fed excessively high downforce data in order to keep tyre pressures high," wrote correspondent Michael Schmidt.

"It is said to be always the same two teams which deliver the wrong data."

Pirelli's Mario Isola downplayed the allegations however.

"It is true that some of the downforce values prove in reality to have been exaggerated.

"But such a policy would have little effect, because we can always change the pressures if we feel it is safe to do so."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.