Pirelli & Michelin – Last Men Standing in F1 Tyre Supply Battle?

Numerous media sources indicate the running for next year’s Formula One tyre supply has been all but whittled down to two contenders. At a meeting of the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) in Monaco on the weekend, Bridgestone reaffirmed its attention to withdraw at the end of the current season, despite calls from F1 teams for it to remain. Doubts were also expressed as to Avon and Kumho’s ability to supply the required rubber, leaving Michelin and Pirelli as the remaining logical choices.

“No decision has been taken yet,” stated Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali. “I think, give it another week and maybe by next weekend we will have found a solution. There are now only two possibilities, though – Michelin and Pirelli. I don’t see any other option.”

Both Pirelli and Michelin bring their own pluses and minuses into the equation. The French manufacturer’s experience in Formula One is far more recent, while Pirelli’s offer is the cheaper of the two. To remain competitive, Michelin has reportedly halved its price to 1.5 million per team.