Pirelli will continue as Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier until 2019, extending its current deal by three years.
The Italian manufacturer entered F1’s tyre supply tender alongside French rival Michelin. Whilst Pirelli promised to do what the sport wanted, Michelin demanded the sport switch to more durable rubber and larger rims.
Bernie Ecclestone backed Pirelli throughout the tender process and appeared alongside Pirelli CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera on the Russian Grand Prix grid to confirm the news.
“Regarding the recent news, we can confirm that the commercial deal for 2017-2019 has been reached,” Pirelli confirmed on Twitter. “The official procedure will follow.”
