Pirelli gets new 3-year deal to remain F1 tyre supplier

Pirelli has secured a new three-year contract with motor sport’s governing body to remain Formula One’s sole tyre supplier, a welcome relief for the Italian manufacturer following an extremely difficult season.

Last July, the teams held in-season testing sessions at Silverstone to assess new tyres provided by Pirelli after several blowouts on the same circuit at the British Grand Prix in June prompted a furious response from drivers and even a boycott threat the following week.

Even before Silverstone, there were repeated problems — with the Spanish GP in May turning into a pit-stop procession as tyres shredded and drivers made up to four stops each.

Pirelli says “the duration of the agreement is for three years, starting from the 2014 season.”

AP