The reports say that Pirelli is considering quitting the WRC after this season and is unhappy with Groupe Michelin’s increased participation with its BFGoodrich brand.

However, Pirelli’s rally racing manager Paul Hembery told crash.net that quitting the WRC is 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.

“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,” he said.