Pirelli Confirms 2005 Motorsport Involvement

Pirelli Tyres has confirmed its continued involvement with motorsport series across the British Isles. In the 2005 season the manufacturer will support the Kwik Fit Pirell British Rally Championship, The Irish Tarma Championship and the Maranello Ferrari Challenge, to name but three.

Referring to the British Rally Championship Kwik-Fit marketing director, Doug McKenzie, commented: “We are delighted to be involved with the championship again, that, like Kwik-Fit, covers the length and breadth of the UK. This series of events attracts the best teams and drivers in Britain and Europe and a growing number of spectators annually. We’re expecting more than 1 million people to attend the nine events across the UK and many more to follow the Championship on TV.”

The manufacturer believes that this continued support demonstrates Pirelli’s commitment to the development of rallying in the British Isles from the grassroots level up. “We are thrilled to continue the sponsorship of both the premier rally Championships in the UK and Ireland – with the Pirelli British Rally Championship and the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Championship,” marketing manager Wayne Nickless said adding: “We have worked with Kwik-Fit in the automotive market for many years.”

In addition, Pirelli has announced that it will continue its support of the second round of championship – the Pirelli International Rally. This year the round will move back to Carlisle, with the event starting outside the Old Town Hall, and then moving on to a special stage. As ever Pirelli will be working with the organisers to ensure new features are introduced to the rally.

“The Pirelli International Rally is a fixture in our company calendar. Working with the Cumberland Sporting Car Club is always a pleasure. Pirelli would publicly like to thank all of those people, particularly the competitors, Carlisle Council and organising committee for all their work and for their continued support in 2005,” the company added.

As far tarmac rallying is concerned, Pirelli Tyres has also announced continued support for the Irish Tarmac Championship. The series has grown from strength to strength in 2004 and Pirelli intend to continue this development. “We are very pleased to continue with Pirelli as sponsors of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship” said Tom Walsh, chairman of TROA. “2004 saw a season filled with excitement and we hope that with Pirelli the 2005 season will be as successful. We look forward to working with them to build the profile of the Championship for the benefit of both the competitors and events.”

But Pirelli’s motorsport involvement is not just about rallying. This year the company will also support the Pirelli Maranello Ferrari Challenge, which features races on the full Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone, and overseas rounds at Zolder and Spa-Francorchamps.