Pirelli wants to remain in F1 for the long term
Pirelli will still be in F1 in 2013, but after that? The Italian brand would like to stay in Formula 1 as long as it is welcome.
Last year, Pirelli took over from Bridgestone as the official tire supplier for Formula 1. The mission of the Italian manufacturer was to revitalize the spectacle by offering less durable tires and with greater performance differences between compounds. From this perspective, the objectives have been achieved. It is therefore not surprising to learn that the brand wishes to continue its involvement in F1 beyond its current contract, which will end at the end of the 2013 season.
« Our current contract runs until the end of 2013, but we have always intended to be in F1 for the medium and long term. The deadline for 2014 is set for June. If the sport wants us to stay, then we can convince management to remain, » explains Paul Hembery to our colleagues at Autosport, adding that « F1 is a unique brand with a reach into emerging markets that is important for us. »
Furthermore, Hembery would like the driver to return to being the center of attention for observers and for there to be less discussion about the role of the Italian tires in the Grand Prix results.
« We were asked to produce fun and spectacle with our tires. It was not our intention to be the center of discussions every weekend. We want the drivers to be the stars of the show. »
« Attracting people to follow our sport is not easy, so I would like us to have more drivers with an international star profile, » concluded Hembery.
