Pirelli: Quitting WRC Only One Option

Pirelli have confirmed that they are ‘reviewing’ their position with regard to competing in the FIA World Rally Championship beyond 2006. Reports in the latest edition of Autosport speculate that the Italian tyre manufacturer is considering quitting the sport and that they are less than happy now that Michelin is promoting its sister brand, BF Goodrich. However when contacted by Crash.net for clarification, Pirelli’s rally manager, Paul Hembery added that quitting the sport is only one option and that ‘many scenarios’ are possible for 2007 and beyond.

“Our position is that we are reviewing our involvement in the WRC, and on what basis we should be involved, in light of the withdrawal of both Peugeot and Mitsubishi and the changing value of the sport,” he told Crash.net when asked about the reports they might quit.

“We have shown substantial commitment to the sport this season with [Gigi] Galli and are working with our partner Subaru to maximise results. There are many scenarios that may come through, only one of which could involve leaving the WRC. Our involvement in the WRC stretches back 30 years and we have seen many brands come and go in that time. Pirelli has a rich rally heritage and one that we are proud of, but as with any business, a review of activity and the return a company places on that activity is an ongoing process.”

Pirelli were dealt something of a blow prior to the start of the 2006 season, as they not only lost the cars entered by Peugeot, something that was known 12 months in advance, but they also lost those run by Mitsubishi, who decided to can their WRC programme late in the day. As such with only one team, Subaru they have struggled somewhat to date and currently BF Goodrich have monopolised proceedings, winning all six events, since ‘taking over’ from Michelin. BF Goodrich tyres are run by the majority of the competitors, including manufacturer one and two entries – Kronos Citroen, BP Ford, OMV Peugeot Norway WRT, Stobart VK and Red Bull Skoda.

On the last two events meanwhile, Pirelli have backed Gigi Galli, the Italian competing in a Bozian Racing ran 307 WRC, in order to try and gain more data with their tyres and further emphasise their potential. Galli’s three-event deal to run the Pirelli backed Peugeot comes to an end next weekend in Sardinia. It is currently uncertain if they will support him on any further events this year.