Who to replace Pirelli in WRC?

Candidates for the FIA ​​call for tenders to become the sole supplier of tires for 4-wheel drive cars worldwide had until September 15 to declare themselves. The challenge was to obtain the market for the period from 2025 to 2027. During these three seasons, we had to be able to supply tires for Rally1, 2 and 3, something that Pirelli is currently doing, and this until in 2024.

During the Acropolis, speculation circulated regarding which manufacturers would be on the list. The Pirelli name has always been part of it, hence the surprise to learn the day after the deadline that the Italian manufacturer had passed its turn. No reason was mentioned, the Pirelli press release simply saying: “ Pirelli has not submitted its bid to supply the FIA ​​World Rally Championship from 2025. As a result, the Italian firm will conclude its partnership as sole supplier of the WRC in 2024, after having achieved the objectives set three years ago at the start of the current contract. »

Has Pirelli had enough of seeing its image mistreated during the World Cup rounds? The last rally of Acropolis had given a perfect example. There were many problems with punctures or loosening in Greece for Rally1, but even more so in WRC2. Just talk to Adrien fourmaux and Yohan Rossel to get an idea of ​​the general feeling. The two Frenchmen had lost their first place in the category on flat wheels. When the name of Pirelli was mentioned at the finish of special stages, it was mainly to hear bad things said about it. Conversely, the fact that Kalle Rovanperä went through this very difficult ordeal without experiencing the slightest puncture was little highlighted. Same thing for Dani Sordo, ultimately 3rd. It was therefore possible to complete this round without having to stop and without being slowed down.

If Pirelli had applied, the manufacturer would have had a good chance of being extended. The WRC is currently facing so many uncertainties in several areas (calendar, regulations, supplier of the hybrid unit, etc.) that continuing with the same brand of tires would have made the task of decision-makers in this sport easier. Instead, they are left with the obligation to choose. No official announcement has been made, but it appears that MRF, Hankook and Michelin have responded to the tender. The Clermontois are favored by prognosticators in particular because they are the only ones to really have experience in the WRC. Is it really that simple?

Pirelli out, does Michelin have an interest in returning to the WRC?

Until now, Michelin has been very discreet about its intentions. Julien Vial was present in Greece. Proudly displaying the colors blue and yellow, the director of customer competition Europe was there officially, but he left the capital taking his secrets with him. In the call for tenders revealed this summer, what could encourage Michelin to come back? Did the specifications in which it was requested to “ provide tires that do not puncture » can coincide with the strategic orientations of the French? When establishing the previous contract, Michelin arrived with an innovative ambition by wanting to bring more technology to tires, by offering connected wheels and by emphasizing durability, one of the essential axes put forward. It was promising with new stories to tell about the tires. The ideas were very interesting, but the choice fell on Pirelli. Had the role of financial endowment also had a major impact? What will happen this time? Faced with the desire to make tires an important player in the WRC again, will Michelin succeed in winning over? Can the risk of attempting a 3-year adventure with a manufacturer inexperienced at this level be taken by the FIA? MRF and Hankook will undoubtedly have interesting files, but will they include a technical component capable of giving this parameter the appeal it deserves?

The lucky winner will be known on October 19 during the world council. The long and tedious work to prepare for 2025 will then begin.

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