Reports in the latest edition of Autosport speculate that the Italian tyre manufacturer is considering quitting the sport and that it is less than happy now that Michelin is promoting its sister brand, BFGoodrich.
However, when contacted by Crash.net for clarification, Pirelli’s rally manager Paul Hembery added that quitting the sport is only one option and that ‘many scenarios’ are possible for 2007 and beyond.
"Our position is that we are reviewing our involvement in the WRC, and on what basis we should be involved, in light of the withdrawal of both Peugeot and Mitsubishi and the changing value of the sport," he told Crash.net when asked about the reports they might quit.
"We have shown substantial commitment to the sport this season with [Gigi] Galli and are working with our partner Subaru to maximise results. There are many scenarios that may come through, only one of which could involve leaving the WRC. Our involvement in the WRC stretches back 30 years, and we have seen many brands come and go in that time. Pirelli has a rich rally heritage and one that we are proud of, but as with any business, a review of activity and the return a company places on that activity is an ongoing process."
Pirelli was dealt something of a blow prior to the start of the 2006 season, as it not only lost the cars entered by Peugeot, something that was known 12 months in advance, but it also lost those run by Mitsubishi, who decided to can its WRC programme late in the day. As such with only one team, Subaru, it has struggled somewhat to date, and currently, BFGoodrich has monopolised proceedings, winning all six events, since ‘taking over’ from Michelin.
