New Kevlar tires to be used at German Grand Prix

LONDON, July 3 (UPI) -- Tires reinforced with Kevlar belts will be used this weekend at the German Grand Prix, Formula One said Tuesday.

The Pirelli-made tires were tested recently in Canada and will be available this weekend in Germany.

The change was made after four cars suffered blowouts during the British Grand Prix in Silverstone. The incidents were blamed on low tire pressures and even some tires installed incorrectly.

"What happened at Silverstone was completely unexpected and it was the first time that anything like this has ever occurred in more than a century of Pirelli in motor sport," Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said in a written statement from Formula One. "These incidents, which have upset us greatly, have stressed the urgency of the changes that we already suggested -- which will be introduced for free practice in Germany on Friday."

Kevlar, used in bulletproof vests, will be used in the rear tires on F1 cars running in Germany this weekend. They will replace steel-belted tires but will not be allowed to be used on the front of the cars.