Pirelli prepares to make its return to F1

Nick Shorrock, boss of Michelin's competition division, will have done what he had to do with regard to the Michelin teams. Formula 1. He explained in Istanbul the point of view of the French manufacturer, which wishes to convey certain key values ​​through a commitment to Formula 1: competition and competition, eco-friendly tires and connection with the development of production tires. But Formula 1 does not seem ready to promote all these values ​​and, even if Michelin has strong allies (Renault, Ferrari?), Pirelli is favored by the majority.

Furthermore, the FIA ​​governing bodies, even if they are not decision-makers, do not wish to remain in the background. But the federation could have less weight than a man who is at the center of all decisions, Bernie Ecclestone. “ The FIA ​​effectively manages the regulations but cannot impose on teams what they do not want, explains a stable boss in the columns of AUTOhebdo n°1757, on sale this week. Of course, she can boycott FOTA's decision but Ecclestone still has enough power. »

The Pirelli candidacy, more commercially interesting for the teams and for Ecclestone, would thus be the preferred route currently. A decision could be made definitively in the coming days, because time is running out to prepare for the 2011 season. Pirelli could thus make its return to Formula 1, after twenty years of absence.