McLaren: 6 Companies Vying for F1 Tyre Supply

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh, the chairman of the Formula One Teams Association FOTA, told reporters after the Spanish Grand Prix (on 9 May 2010) that as many as six companies are offering to supply tyres to the series. "There are four proposals that appear to be out there and maybe there's another couple as well," he told Reuters, adding: "I think we are running out of time so we are going to have to make a decision quickly.”

Mercedes GP chief executive Nick Fry said there were three solid bids on the table from Michelin, Pirelli and Cooper/Avon to choose from: “I think we’ve got to come to a decision in the next 10 days or so. Now we’ve got three and I think discussions are still going on trying to persuade Bridgestone that they might like to stay. Even if they don’t there’s three options open to us and I think any of those three could provide a suitable tyre.”

The latest announcement follows reports in various news sources that Kumho has thrown its hat into the ring.

Related News:

• 5 Companies in the Running – F1 Tyre Supply Saga Continues

• Pirelli Returns to Single-Seater Racing at Spanish GP

• Official – Pirelli Submitting F1 Tyre Supply Bid

• Cooper Avon Confirms Formula One Supply Talks