Pirelli to Become New F1 Tire Supplier

Pirelli seems to have won the race to become sole supplier of the Formula One championship from 2011 onwards. Although nothing has been made official by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) so far, several media reports in Italy and Spain have suggested that Bernie Ecclestone and the teams have already agreed on partnering with Pirelli for the upcoming 3 seasons.

Until the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend, it emerged that only two tire manufacturers were in the race to become sole suppliers for the series, following Bridgestone's exit: Michelin and Pirelli. While the former wanted to introduce larger tires into the series and asked for the return of a tire war (multiple suppliers), the latter offered the same specification tires and lower prices from the teams.

According to Italy's Autosprint, Pirelli has won that battle, with the announcement due to surface in the media soon enough. The reports from the Italian publications mention that each team will pay Pirelli EUR1 million per season for the tires, which will be built from 2011 onwards in three compounds: soft, medium and hard.

Additionally, the same servicing and attention will be provided by Pirelli as compared to Bridgestone. The deal runs through the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons and includes 13-inch specification tires. In case the deal will be extended, it is rumored that a future move to lower profiled tires can be possible.

The other contenders that were in the tire race for sole F1 supplier were, apart from Michelin, Avon, Kumho and Hankook. Pirelli currently supplies tires to the World Rally Championship and the GP3 Series, but will add the GP2 Series to their programme starting next year.

It is expected that the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) will confirm that decision in due time.