Pirelli denies Ferrari bias fears

Pirelli boss Marco Tronchetti Provera has dismissed claims the Italian tyre marque might favour Ferrari this year.

With Ferrari naming its 2011 car F150 in tribute of Italian unification and painting a tri-colour on the rear wing, the national link between the Maranello marque and Milan-based Pirelli had raised some fears among Ferrari’s rivals.

But Tronchetti is quoted by Spain’s Diario AS newspaper: "We are a company, not a flag."

He also said he is proud of Pirelli’s efforts so far as the marque returns to F1 in 2011.

"In a very short time, the drivers have said we (the tyres) have a great performance," said Tronchetti.