Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier Pirelli says it would be open to competition from a rival supplier after comments made by chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera.
The last time there were two different tyre suppliers in F1 was in 2006 with Michelin and Bridgestone competing against each other. From 2007 Bridgestone became the sole supplier after Michelin left the sport, Pirelli then took on the role in 2011.
Michelin recently attempted to make a comeback for 2017 with an 18-inch tyre design, however, this was ultimately rejected by Bernie Ecclestone.
Provera told Motorsport.com: “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.
“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.”
Despite recent complaints about the product Pirelli has brought to F1 over recent years, the current deal as sole supplier to the sport runs until 2019 and the Italian company is keen to stay beyond the end of the current contract.
“We’re committed,” he added. “We see F1 remaining as the most attractive race in the world. Pirelli is the largest supplier of motorsport globally.”
After being asked about when they would be prepared to discuss renegotiations about a potential new deal, Provera replied: “In a year-and-a-half, more or less – halfway through [the current deal]. I don’t see any issue.”
