FIA opens tender process for tyres

Editor

Tyre manufacturers who are interested in supplying compounds for Formula 1 from 2017-2019 can now apply after the FIA opened the tender process.

Pirelli has been F1's sole tyre supplier since 2011, when it took over from Bridgestone, but its current contract runs out at the end of the 2016 campaign.

The Italian company is thought to be likely to throw its name into the hat again, but Michelin has also indicated that it is ready to make a return to the sport.

The French manufacturer exited the sport after the 2006 season, but its motorsport director Pascal Couasnon recently told Italian publication Autosprint: "Why not? We are fully open to a return, but on some precise conditions – Formula 1 must change its technical regulations."

Changes are in the pipeline as the FIA has already indicated that it plans to run wider rear tyres from 2017 with the width set to increase from the current 375mm to 420mm.

"It should be noted that, whilst the wheel diameter is currently set at 13 inch," the FIA statement added.

"This should not preclude an increase in diameter if the tyre manufacturer feels there may be advantages to the competitors by doing so. Full details should be provided."

According to the statement from the FIA, companies must lodge their applications by June 17 with the selection process to start the following day.

The names of the tyre suppliers whose proposals meet the technical and safety criteria will then be put forward on July 17, ahead of final consideration.