Paul Hembery has acknowledged the criticism about Pirelli’s method for visibly distinguishing the two compound types in Melbourne.
The hard and soft compounds at the 2011 season opener were distinguishable by the colour of the ’Pirelli P Zero’ signage on the sidewalls — silver for the prime and yellow for the options.
Also to be seen this year are white-sidewalled medium tyres, and red for the super-soft.
"With the yellow markings, I think, there was no problem, it could be seen," Pirelli’s motor sport director Hembery told Auto Motor und Sport.
"With the black tyre, I think the silver markings was a little more difficult," he admitted. "But if that’s my biggest problem, I’m very satisfied."
Indeed, the entire world of F1 was surprised with the performance of the tyres in Australia, following a winter of extreme degradation.
"We will definitely be treating ourselves to a beer tonight," Hembery said late on Sunday.