Pirelli, the official tyre supplier to the World Rally Championship, insists that it is not quitting the sport after deciding to submit a proposal to supply F1 teams with tyres from 2011.
The Italian company is coming to the end of a three-year deal to supply control tyres to the World Rally Championship and support championships. Pirelli has submitted a tender for the next three-year WRC deal, which is currently being considered by the FIA.
Pirelli has subsequently indicated its intention to tender for the Formula One tyre supply deal by 9 May - during the Spanish Grand Prix - following Bridgetone’s decision to stand down as official supplier. Like Michelin, Pirelli's offer demands a change to F1 tyre regulations including a move from 13 inch rims to 18 inch. Michelin and Cooper Avon have already approached the teams and the FIA with proposals for tyre supply in 2011.
However, a Pirelli spokesman confirmed that the company’s aspirations in Formula One did not necessarily spell an end to its involvement in rallying. “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.”
Pirelli has been the official supplier to the World Rally Championship since 2008, and has been involved in the sport since the series started in 1973. Its run of success means that Pirelli is rapidly approaching the milestone of its 200th WRC victory.
