On January 28th, 2013 a Pagani Huayra set a new Top Gear lap record with a lap time of 1:13.8. Impressive result for the new supercar, considering previous record was set by the Ariel Atom V8 with a lap time of 1:15.1.

Now, once the automotive world had the chance to take a closer look to the photos shot during the event, Pagani has some answers to give, as it’s been accused of cheating to set the lap record.

Pagani has been accused of using two types of tires while establishing the record. You see, a standard Huayra comes with Pirelli P-Zero tires that measure 255/35ZR19 in the front and 335/30ZR20 out back, but the Huayra that set the lap record was equipped with Pirelli tires sized 265/645 19 -- not something you would see on a typical road car.

Why does this matter? Because Pagani said a standard Huayra has been used for the lap record.

Another report from Jalopnik reports that Pagani admitted the company indeed used two set of tires, but only "for communication reasons." It looks like during the test the Huayra was equipped with modified Zonda R slicks and for the photo session afterward, Pagani replaced them with Pirelli Pzero Corsa because the company wanted "to push them on the media."

So, the verdict is that while the rules were bent to the farthest reaches of their capacity, the Pagani was fitted with “street legal” tires. Of course, if you get even a sprinkle of water on the road, you would have to swap them out.

Hit the jump to watch the new Pagani Huayra tested by Top Gear.