Vettel backs account of flying Pirelli ’bullets’

Sebastian Vettel has backed Paul di Resta’s complaint about flying pieces of Pirelli rubber.

Force India rookie di Resta claimed he was hit several times during the Malaysian grand prix by discarded "marbles" of synthetic rubber falling off the tyres.

"I have not had those comments from the top three (finishers) but if it’s an issue, we will have to confront it," said Paul Hembery, motor sport director for F1’s new official tyre supplier.

On Monday, it emerged that race winner, reigning champion and championship leader Vettel had a similar problem.

"There was a lump (of tyre) that was suddenly in the middle of my visor," he told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.

"They’re like bullets fired from the car in front."

23-year-old Vettel admitted the issue could be a concern at circuits where spectators sit close to the action.

"Imagine Singapore or Monaco, where a fan could suddenly find a piece of tyre in his tea," he said.