Kimi Raikkonen's tyre problem at the British Grand Prix was caused by external damage rather than a structural or wear issue, Pirelli has concluded. Following detail examination of the front-left tyre that came apart two laps before the end of the Silverstone race, Pirelli is confident that fatigue or a design problem were not to blame. Instead its examination suggests that two impacts on the belt area of the tyre - potentially caused by a kerb - triggered the problem that forced a late pitstop. In a statement issued on Wednesday night it said: "This damage is not present throughout any other areas of the tyre whatsoever. Furthermore, the belt and the structure do not show any signs...
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