Pirelli Chosen for F1 Tyre Supply – News Reports

The website Motorsport.com claims Italian media sources are reporting Pirelli’s selection as sole Formula One tyre supplier in 2011 and beyond. It states that Autosprint and Italiaracing say the Italian tyre maker has been selected by the teams and F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone as Bridgestone’s replacement.

Autosprint said Pirelli will be paid one million euros per team per season in 2011, 2012 and 2013, in exchange for identical attention and service and a range of just three compounds: soft, medium and hard. Initially the tyres will be a similar 13-inch specification to the current Bridgestone product, with a transition to a lower-profile tyre an eventual possibility.

When Tyres & Accessories contacted Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery, he commented that “a decision one way or the other will be made by this weekend’s F1 event in Istanbul.” He added that, regardless of the outcome, Pirelli will remain committed to the WRC for the foreseeable future.