- Tyre news
Pirelli deal rumoured to be signed and sealed
Italian media sources are reporting that Pirelli will be F1's sole tyre supplier in 2011 and beyond.
Autosprint and Italiaracing say the Milan-based marque has been selected by the teams and F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone to replace the departing control supplier Bridgestone. Reportedly, Michelin as well as minor contenders Avon, Kumho and Hankook had also been in the running.
When asked to nominate his preference, Ferrari president Luca di told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "As an Italian I prefer Pirelli, but experience tells me Michelin. In the end it will be the same for everyone."
Autosprint said Pirelli will be paid €1 million 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. At least initially, the tyres will be in a similar 13-inch specification to the current Bridgestone product, with a longer-term ambition being a move to a low profile.
The decision is set to be confirmed shortly by the World Motor Sport Council.
Spain's El Mundo Deportivo reports that Pirelli, already the supplier of the new GP3 series as well as world rally, is also likely to supply GP2 next year.