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Pirelli Confirm Commitment to WRC, Despite F1 Plans

Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli confirmed earlier this month that its desire to become tire supplier in the Formula One Championship will not interfere with their programme inside the World Rally Championship.

Following Bridgestone's announced exit as sole tires supplier from the Great Circus at the end of the 2010 season, it was initially believed that only French company Michelin and North American tire manufacturer Avon Cooper were racing for that position from 2011 onwards. However, only one week before the Spanish GP – marking the European debut of F1 this season – Pirelli confirmed that have themselves made an offer to the F1 teams for a future deal.

During the month of April, it has emerged that Pirelli agreed to extend their stay in the WRC – with whom they have partnered for the past 3 years for control tire supply – for the 2011 also, while also submitting a tender for the next three-year WRC deal. It's likely that their new offer includes lower costs, as it is currently being evaluated by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

That being said, it's clear enough that Pirelli does project a future in the WRC, and don't plan to switch to Grand Prix racing completely. In fact, a Pirelli spokesman confirmed the Italians are not planning an F1 programme on the expense of their WRC deal.

We currently have no intention of leaving the WRC. We consider both projects entirely separately and evaluate them both on their individual values and benefits,” said the spokesman.

While sole suppliers in the WRC, Pirelli might find themselves in a war situation in the F1 series (starting next year, and on the condition they get picked by the F1 teams), as some recent reports suggest the Great Circus might return to multiple tire suppliers following the Bridgestone era.
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