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Pirelli aims to remain in Formula One beyond 2013

ESPN Staff
June 20, 2012 « Buoyant Massa explains improvement | 'Alonso is the fastest driver of all' - Domenicali »
Pirelli's tyres have proven a difficult nut to crack in 2012, leading to seven different winners from the opening seven races © Sutton Images
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Pirelli is aiming to extend its contract as Formula One's tyre supplier beyond the end of the 2013 season, according to Paul Hembery.

The tyre manufacturer has been central to the exciting and unpredictable season this year, with the majority of teams praising its role in providing more entertaining races. Half-way through its three-year deal, thoughts are now turning to 2014 and Hembery said that Pirelli would want to continue but will have to get approval from its board before the deadline in a year's time.

"Our current contract runs until the end of 2013, but we always intended to be in F1 for the medium-to-long term," Hembery told Autosport. "The deadline for the 2014 decision is next June. If the sport wants us to stay and we can convince the board to continue, in light of economic conditions, then our intention is to go forward."

Having mentioned the economic conditions in reference to the Eurozone crisis, Hembery added that there were other markets to take in to considerations outside of Europe.

"We're a global company, leveraged all over the world and depending on how a host of markets perform, not just Europe. F1 is a unique brand, with reach in emerging markets that are important to us."

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