Pirelli has been granted a one-year extension as Formula 1’s exclusive tyre supplier following a World Motor Sport Council meeting on Friday.
The Italian marque’s deal that was signed in 2018 was originally intended to run until the end of 2023 and included a switch to 18-inch tyres in 2021.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced F1 to push back the introduction of new technical regulations, which included the 18-inch tyres, until 2022.
As a result, Pirelli will continue to be F1 sole tyre suppler until at least the end of the 2024 season.
The FIA has clarified that it permitted the extension of Pirelli’s contract by one year “to reflect the original intention of the 2018 tyre tender and remain within the overall technical framework in the best interests of all relevant stakeholders.”
It continued: “The COVID-19 pandemic obliged the FIA and Formula 1 to implement emergency measures that included the cancellation of tyre development tests last year and the postponement of planned new technical regulations – which included 18-inch tyres – from 2021 to 2022.
“As a result, 13-inch tyres will be used during the 2021 season, with a move to 18-inch tyres in 2022.”
Pirelli has initiated testing of the 18-inch tyres, performing three on-track days with Ferrari in Jerez last week.
On Monday, it released its full test schedule for 2021, featuring an array of race tracks in collaboration with nine of F1’s ten teams.
Pirelli CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera said of the new deal: “We’re obviously pleased to have reached this agreement that will extend our presence at the pinnacle of world motorsport until 2024.
“Pirelli has been alongside Formula 1 for more than 70 years, since the very first race in 1950, and the company continues to invest in the highest technological levels of research and development, as shown by the introduction of 18-inch tyres from next year.
“Motorsport forms part of our DNA and Formula 1 represents an open-air laboratory that allows us to apply the know-how gained on track into our road car tyres, starting off with the Ultra High Performance range that equips the most prestigious cars in the world.”
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