Pirelli Wins Three-year F1 Tyre Contract
Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has won the bidding war to supply the tyres for all the F1 teams from 2011 after clinching an exclusive three-year deal with the sport’s governing body the FIA.
Pirelli takes over from Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone, which is pulling out of the sport citing reasons that include financial issues.
‘The current economic climate has lead to a pragmatic approach and collaboration with all the teams, ensuring that the logistical and production costs will be shared equally,’ said Pirelli in a statement.
The Italians were preferred to British firm Avon, while the director of Michelin, Nick Shorrock, said that the French manufacturer had decided not to bid for the contract. The main obstacle was Michelin’s objection to the FIA’s desire for one tyre manufacturer to supply tyres to all teams.
‘We discussed things with the F1 authorities,’ said Shorrock. ‘We made proposals to improve the spectacle. Being able to maintain a positive impact on the environment while all the while controlling the costs, and of course in the context of a multi-manufacturer competition.
‘Competition means comparing yourself with others. It’s that which allows us to work on technological ideas. We can then test innovations in competition that will end up in the tyres of tomorrow’s championship, but the rule hasn’t changed. So we decided not to respond to the invitation to tender. Regarding 2010, nothing’s changed and there’s nothing that facilitates the return of Michelin to F1.’
Michelin originally withdrew from the sport at the end of 2006 after the FIA controversially decided to move to a single manufacturer format from 2008.
