The World Rally Championship (WRC) will have a new tyre supplier from 2025 onwards after Pirelli decided against continuing its contract.
Confirmed:
- Pirelli says it has ‘achieved the targets set three years ago’ in the contract
- Autosport reports that Michelin and Indian manufacturer MRF will submit bids
Context:
Pirelli took over the WRC tyre tender from long-time supplier Michelin in 2021, but the Italian brand has decided against continuing its four-year relationship.
Comment:
Pirelli said in a statement: ‘Pirelli has not submitted its candidature to supply the FIA [International Automobile Federation] World Rally Championship from 2025-2027. As a result, the Italian firm will conclude its partnership as a single supplier to the WRC in 2024, having achieved the targets set three years ago at the start of the current contact.’
Coming next:
The successful applicant is expected to be announced on 19th October, and the tyre tender will cover a three-year period between 2025 and 2027.