Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has officially invited interested companies to tender to become the sole official F1 tyre supplier for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 FIA Formula One World Championships. Current supplier Pirelli’s deal expires at the end of 2016.
Applications must be lodged by June 17 and candidates who meet the FIA’s technical and safety requirements will then be forwarded a month later for commercial negotiations and final consideration.
The FIA is considering introducing wider tyres for 2017 as part of plans to make cars five to six seconds per lap quicker. It says it is also open to moving to a larger wheel diameter - currently 13 inches - if the tyre manufacturer feels there may be advantages to the competitors by doing so.
Pirelli have been the official F1 tyre supplier since the start of the 2011 season and motorsport director Paul Hembery told Formula1.com recently: “We are happy with our involvement with Formula One. But 2017 is a while away and we have to still be confident that the sport is going forward - and still offers the same level of return. For us it is a pure business decision.”
