• Tyre news

FIA backs Pirelli for 2014

ESPN Staff
September 9, 2013 « Ferrari prepares to announce signing of Raikkonen | The truth doesn't sell newspapers - Alonso »
Pirelli looks set to remain in the sport in 2014 © Sutton Images
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The FIA has agreed to keep Pirelli as Formula One's tyre supplier for the next five years, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.

The Italian tyre manufacturer's future had been in doubt as Michelin announced its desire to return to F1 earlier this year, but in Monza Pirelli confirmed it had the backing of all the teams and the sport's commercial rights holder. When that was put to FIA president Jean Todt, he conceded that "everyone wants Pirelli" and the governing body would not stand in the way.

The Daily Telegraph said the deal would run through to the end of 2018 and be worth "an estimated £50 million". Any tyre supply deal for 2014 still needs to be rubber stamped at a meeting of the FIA Motor Sport World Council.

The news comes as Pirelli continues to prepare for 2014 with a tyre test with championship leaders Red Bull this week.

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