The twisted tale of which company will take on Formula One racing next year took yet another turn yesterday as Pirelli tossed its hat back into the ring.
The Milan, Italy-based tiremaker had previously said it was not interested in the derby to replace Bridgestone as the F1 spec tire once the Tokyo-based tiremaker’s contract expires at the close of the 2010 season.
On Wednesday, during Pirelli SpA’s annual shareholder meeting, chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera stated that Pirelli could reconsider it’s earlier stance under certain conditions.
Tronchetti Provera said Pirelli would want a deal similar to that reportedly sought by Michelin: a move from 13- to 18-inch wheel diameters and the ability to sell its race tires to F1 teams. If those conditions were met, the chairman said, “Pirelli would look into this world with greater attention.”
Michelin has not said it is interested in returning to the series, which it left after the 2006 season, but has been heavily rumored to be the top choice of race teams. Cooper Avon has confirmed its interest.