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Pirelli to hold regular meetings with Formula 1 drivers

Pirelli is to hold monthly meetings with Formula 1 drivers in a bid to avoid a repeat of the issues that followed the Belgian Grand Prix

Led by Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the condemnation resulted in clear-the-air talks between Pirelli, F1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, a number of leading drivers including Vettel, and the key team principals last Friday at Monza.

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It was a rare conversation between Pirelli and the drivers, which is to now take place far more frequently.

"We need more communication so we have agreed we will meet on a more regular basis with the drivers, teams and promoter to discuss how we go forward in the sport," said Hembery.

"It's very important we are all working in the same direction and are all given the ability to deliver what is being asked, so we need to take on their points of view and put them in front of all the other parties.

"If there is a big [difference of opinion] then we need to put them all back in a room again and say, 'Hold on! We've this group wanting this, this group wanting that', so you really need to give us some clear indication as to what you want."

Hembery has confirmed any driver can attend, and there is no pressure on the drivers to make an appearance.

The reaction towards such future meetings is positive, with Hembery adding: "We're guilty of not communicating enough to the drivers ourselves.

"But there is quite a willingness from the drivers to work with us, no doubt."

With the rules changing substantially for 2017, when wider tyres come into force to help make cars five to six seconds per lap quicker, Hembery feels such talks will be particularly crucial.

For now, going into 2016, Hembery has confirmed Pirelli will continue to do "what the sport wants", which was "part of the conversation [on Friday]".

Hembery added: "It's pointless some drivers wanting this, the sport wanting something else, and the public something different altogether again.

"That discussion needs to be an open discussion while we're defining what's going to happen in 2017.

"Somebody might not like what will be decided, but if that's the way the sport is going then you have to buy into it, and there will be far more dialogue

"You might not agree with the objective, but if the sport is going in a direction then we all need to know we are all looking at the same future."

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