It is no secret that many Formula 1 fans would like to see an end to the one-make tyre concept which currently exists in Formula 1, with Pirelli the exclusive tyre supplier to teams.
Interestingly, Pirelli chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera is not against the idea of going head-to-head with another tyre manufacturer, “We race everywhere in the world, alone and against others. We like competition. When we race with the others, we win. We’re ready for any competition with anybody.”
Formula 1 bosses opted for a single tyre manufacturer and despite calls to allow multiple tyre suppliers back into the sport, it seems that teams are reluctant to change the current deal.
Provera revealed that there has been no talk about the scenario changing in the near future, “I never heard in the last years or months anything will to change.”
The one-make tyre supplier is touted as a cheaper solution to multiple suppliers which would inevitably lead to the tyre wars of old, but Provera claims, “It is quite expensive even without competition. But we have a lot of experience, we capitalise a lot of experience in the last few years.”
Michelin have suggested that they would consider a return to Formula 1 as a rival tyre supplier with the likes of Hankook, who supply DTM, also said to be interested in a F1 foray.
But Provera insists his company are in F1 for the long haul, “We’re committed. We see F1 remaining as the most attractive [series] in the world. Pirelli is the largest supplier of motorsport globally.”
As for the future, and extending the F1 deal, the Pirelli chief explained, “In a year-and-a-half, more or less – halfway through [the current deal]. I don’t see any issue [renewing].”
Big Question: Would Formula 1 benefit from having multiple tyre suppliers?
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
No comments:
Post a Comment