Not sure how FOTA and the FIA will react to Pirelli's overtures, they are looking for sole supply and 18 inch rims, I think both the other two suppliers have an advantage, Michelin with their vast , and more current, experience and Avon because they may keep the present 13 inch rims, at least for a while.
Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli could join the race to supply Formula 1 rubber next year, with Bridgestone set to depart the sport at the end of the current season. So far, Michelin and Cooper Avon are in the race to provide tyres.
With Bridgestone having announced last November that it wishes not to continue as F1's sole tyre supplier, Michelin - last seen on the grid in 2006 - was joined in the race this week by Cooper Avon, which last competed with the March team at the 1982 Swiss Grand Prix, staged at Dijon in France. Pirelli last raced in F1 in 1991 when Benetton scored a victory on their tyres in Canada.
Despite having previously said that it preferred to concentrate on road-going tyres, reports in the Italian press now quote Marco Tronchetti, Chairman of the Milan-based company, as saying that Pirelli is now pondering whether to rejoin the field, providing certain criteria are met.
It is believed, however, that one standard the firm is searching for is to increase the diameter of F1 tyres from 13 inches (33cm) to 18 inches (46cm), they also favour a, non competetive, sole supply.
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