Hakkinen defends F1 tyre 'show business'

May 25 (GMM) Two former champions have hit back at claims the tyre situation in 2013 is ruining Formula One.

Mika Hakkinen said he does not agree with those who think Pirelli's heavily degrading tyres should be drastically amended.

"I am of the opinion that motor racing is show business," the 1998 and 1999 world champion told Finnish broadcaster MTV3 in Monaco.

Mika Hakkinen

Photo by: XPB Images

Hakkinen said the plethora of "overtaking and pitstops" is interesting for the fans, and so it's up to F1's engineers and drivers to "develop a car and driving style" that looks after the tyres.

He said the main reason for the controversy is some teams who are struggling with the situation "using the media to throw fuel on the fire".

Four-time world champion Alain Prost, also in Monaco, agrees: "I think in the past there has been much criticism for there not being a show.

"We should feel very lucky that we have these kinds of races."

At any rate, Paul Hembery has announced that - if the Italian supplier is still in F1 next year - Pirelli will take a "step back" and a more "cautious" approach for the sweeping new turbo V6 regulations.

"I think that we won't be having discussions about tyres next year," laughed Force India's Bob Fernley. "It will be a completely different programme."