FIA President Jean Todt attends a press briefing regarding Japanese Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit on October 10, 2014. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
FIA President Jean Todt attends a press briefing regarding Japanese Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit on October 10, 2014. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President Jean Todt has reportedly confirmed that the motorsport racing’s governing body will formally authorise Pirelli’s new deal to keep supplying tyres exclusively to Formula One (F1) teams. With the renewed deal, the Italian company will be the sole tyre supplier from 2017 until the 2019 season.

Pirelli saw off the challenge from Michelin to remain as F1’s tyre supplier, reported Motorsport.com. Despite both Pirelli and Michelin passing FIA’s technical analysis, the former got the best commercial deal with commercial rights holder.

“Both were, if I could say, ‘homologated’ with their technical skills, then it is up to the commercial rights holder to see what is the best commercial deal he can get, and he got the best commercial deal, as I understand, with Pirelli,” Todt said. “There is no reason why the FIA and its World Motor Sport Council won’t ratify that.”

The report further stated that Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Paul Hembery will perform a different role, which involved taking charge with F1 activities on top of his motor racing duties. Pirelli Racing Manager Mario Isola is anticipated to move into a more senior position to replace the 49-year-old Briton’s role in F1.

F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone previously announced in Russia that the Italian company will continue to supply tyres albeit the controversies in Spa and Monza this year. Pirelli confirmed to Autosport that the commercial deal with Ecclestone has already been signed and that the company was only waiting for FIA to rubberstamp the new contract.

Pirelli has returned to F1 scene in 2011. The Italian manufacturer replaced Bridgestone, which pulled out from F1 at the end of the 2010 season. The latest deal means that its partnership with F1 will extend to nine seasons. Past suppliers were Avon, Continental, Dunlop, Englebert, Firestone, Goodyear, and Michelin.

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