Pirelli Bids For F1 Tyre Contract
Pirelli has thrown its hat into the ring by bidding to supply tyres to all F1 teams from next season although the Italian company could attach certain conditions to any deal.
F1 needs to find a new tyre supplier after Japanese company Bridgestone said it would be pulling out at the end of this season after 14 years in the sport.
Bridgestone has been the sole supplier since 2007, after competing against Goodyear in 1997 and 1998 and Michelin from 2001 to 2006.
Michelin and American-based tyre manufacturer Cooper have already emerged as possible suppliers for next season with Pirelli now entering the fray despite sounding cautious about the idea in recent months.
A statement read: ‘Pirelli announces that it will present an offer for the supply of tyres to all the teams in the F1 championship. The presentation of the offer will take place before the next Formula One Grand Prix in Spain on 9th May.’
Only last week Pirelli officials were quoted in the media saying certain conditions would have to be met if the firm, which already supplies tyres to several other motorsport series, returned to F1 for the first time since 1991.
Conditions included increasing the size of tyres to 18 inches (45.72 centimetres) from 13 (33.02 cm) and a wish for teams to contribute financially to the supply deal.
