Hembery: More ’surprises’ possible

Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery has not ruled out the prospect of the Italian manufacturer encountering similar woes next year as it has this season.

The major concern for Hembery, especially with a significant change in the engine regulations looming for 2014, is Pirelli’s age-old problem of a lack of testing.

It has two private tests looming – next week at the Paul Ricard circuit in France and later this month in Barcelona.

Yet despite the way seemingly cleared this week for Pirelli to use a more current car than the out-dated 2010 Renault at its disposal, no team has stepped forward to assist.

To rub salt into those wounds, suggestions of a two-day test after the Brazilian Grand Prix have also been floored.

Although next year’s car, powered by a turbo-charged 1.6-litre V6 compared to the current 2.4-litre V8s, will naturally be markedly different, Pirelli needs some time to try out various options.