Pirelli done and dusted with WRC
2010-09-07 06:44
Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has chosen F1 over rallying.
Despite being the official WRC tyre supplier for the past three years, Pirelli’s passed on the opportunity to submit a tender to involve itself in top-flight rallying for next season.
It was widely suspected that Pirelli would continue its WRC commitments after securing the F1 tyre supply contract for next year. Such a state of affairs would have seen it occupy the two most important supply positions in four-wheeled racing.
The issue of technological resources does not appear to be a reason for Pirelli choosing to discontinue its involvement with WRC in favour of F1.
Although Pirelli will maintain its support for National series rallying and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, the vacillating nature of the WRC’s regulatory environment has been suggested as the factor that finally scared the Italian tyre giant away from the sport's premier class.