Belgian GP: 'External cut' caused Nico Rosberg tyre blow - Pirelli
Pirelli has determined there to be no structural integrity issue with its Formula 1 tyres following Nico Rosberg's spectacular failure during Friday's second Belgian Grand Prix practice session
The Italian manufacturer has conducted a full investigation following the incident that occurred with 30 minutes of practice two remaining at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Approaching Blanchimont, the right-rear tyre on Rosberg's Mercedes exploded, sending the German into a spin, with the 30-year-old conceding it was more by luck than skill he managed to stay out of a wall.
Replays seemed to suggest a blister eventually started to fray and eventually resulted in the tyre shredding off the wheel.
Pirelli claims the incident is consistent with an external cut in the tyre structure.
A Pirelli statement read: "After a full investigation which continued overnight into the issue which affected Nico Rosberg's Mercedes yesterday, these are the conclusions.
"There are no signs of structural integrity issue of the tyre, neither on other tyres used by Mercedes nor on tyres used on other vehicles.
"Video footage shows a tyre problem on Rosberg's car which is consistent with an external cut into the tyre structure.
"Quality data check on other tyres has shown no anomalies."
Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said: "We have conducted a thorough investigation to find out exactly what happened with Nico's tyre.
"This investigation now excludes any structural integrity issues.
"Based on the information and data available an external source of damage is the conclusion made."
Belgian GP F1: FIA removes new kerbs at Spa's Eau Rouge
Belgian F1 GP: Lewis Hamilton heads practice three for Mercedes
McLaren's Alonso sure some F1 teams will get new rules wrong
McLaren's Alonso sure some F1 teams will get new rules wrong McLaren's Alonso sure some F1 teams will get new rules wrong
Formula 1 peaked in 2000s, not Senna/Prost era, Alonso believes
Formula 1 peaked in 2000s, not Senna/Prost era, Alonso believes Formula 1 peaked in 2000s, not Senna/Prost era, Alonso believes
How Hamilton has battled his own mentality
How Hamilton has battled his own mentality How Hamilton has battled his own mentality
Audi ace Muller explains the factors that helped end DTM win drought
Audi ace Muller explains the factors that helped end DTM win drought Audi ace Muller explains the factors that helped end DTM win drought
Rosberg: Wolff's workload puts me off wanting to be F1 team boss
Rosberg: Wolff's workload puts me off wanting to be F1 team boss Rosberg: Wolff's workload puts me off wanting to be F1 team boss
Why Bottas won't emulate Rosberg to beat Hamilton
Why Bottas won't emulate Rosberg to beat Hamilton Why Bottas won't emulate Rosberg to beat Hamilton
Raikkonen “excited” to return to NASCAR Cup racing at COTA
Raikkonen “excited” to return to NASCAR Cup racing at COTA Raikkonen “excited” to return to NASCAR Cup racing at COTA
Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico
Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico
MotoGP sprint races: Everything you need to know
MotoGP sprint races: Everything you need to know MotoGP sprint races: Everything you need to know
Frijns makes Formula E comeback with Abt after Sebring race return
Frijns makes Formula E comeback with Abt after Sebring race return Frijns makes Formula E comeback with Abt after Sebring race return
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.