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Pirelli's Isola: No requests from teams to change tyre specs

Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola says the Italian company hasn't received a request from a single team to change the specifications of its tyres despite the public criticism of its product.

Following the introduction by Pirelli of a thinner gauge tyre for this season, a move destined to prevent last years' overheating and blistering issues, many teams have complained of their difficulties in getting their rubber into a workable window with regard to temperatures.

The only outfit currently immune to such a problem is the mighty Mercedes squad, which has won every single race so far in 2019.

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Red Bull Racing and Haas have been the most vocal on the tyre conundrum, with the former's boss Christian Horner suggesting that the majority of the grid want Pirelli to revert to last year's specs.

Yet, Isola insists he hasn't been approached by anyone, and reminds everyone that a mid-season change of specification can only be ordered by the FIA on the grounds of safety.

"It is very clear how you can modify the construction or the compounds during the season," Isola told Autosport.

"I didn’t receive any request so far. If I receive a request that is reasoned, we will consider that request.

"We will consider what we have to do to modify the tyres, and we will discuss that with the FIA."

Without a compelling safety reason to modify the tyre specifications, teams complaints will fall on deaf ears.

"We, Pirelli, can modify the construction or the compound, the specification of the tyre, only for safety," added Isola.

"Even if I sent a request to the FIA, to be honest I don’t know what to write in that request because I cannot reason any change for safety.

"There is no safety concern."

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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.