McLaren Claim Credit for Tyre Development

Renault and Jaguar have left McLaren and Williams to do all the work on Formula One tyre development this season while reaping the rewards, according to McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

"Because of the way the testing is, it is definitely ourselves and Williams who have done all the work," said Dennis at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Renault and Ford-owned Jaguar, like McLaren and Williams, use Michelin tyres but have signed up for limited testing during the season in exchange for two hours of private running on the Friday before every grand prix.

McLaren and Williams continue to test intensively with the French tyre supplier.

"Any team that is into the testing concept of running on a Friday is clearly not contributing to tyre development. It is just reaping the fruits of our work," said Dennis, who has likened the Friday testers to roadsweepers in the past.

"That is completely fine, I have no problem with that, but we do tend to have a bit more understanding of the tyres," he added.

McLaren were leading both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships before Sunday's Grand Prix but Renault were third and ahead of Williams after five races.

Jaguar's Australian Mark Webber has also outqualified McLaren and Williams drivers in recent races.