Pirelli wants to continue to “follow the rules”

Following Michelin's application submitted for 2017, Pirelli must face a competitor to become the next rubber supplier of the F1 while the Italian brand operated alone until now. If the current manufacturer of the discipline had to face difficult episodes (repeated delaminations and punctures), the situation had become calmer even if the lifespan of its tires is deliberately limited.

Michelin wanted to offer another concept with 18-inch tires which was received with reluctance by part of the paddock.

“We want to follow the rules. If they want 20-inch tires, we'll make them. If they want tires that last the entire race, we will make them », commented Paul Hembery, Pirelli sporting director. “Imagine that an engine manufacturer arrives with a 8l or 2,5l V5 and is surprised that the discipline remains on a 1.6l turbo… It's the same thing, isn't it? »