Pirelli Prepares for F1 Tyre Tender Challenge Amid Bridgestone Speculation
In the ongoing process of selecting Formula 1’s official tyre supplier for the years 2025 to 2027, with a possible extension until 2028, Pirelli finds itself in a competitive situation. The FIA initiated the tender process earlier this year, and the deadline for applications was May 15. The FIA is currently evaluating the proposals from interested parties and will announce the approved bidders on June 16.
The successful candidates will proceed to the next phase of discussions with F1’s commercial rights holder. In the previous tyre tender process, Pirelli faced competition from Hankook, a South Korean company, but Pirelli was granted a one-year extension until the end of 2024 due to pandemic-related delays in implementing new technical regulations.
While the FIA has not confirmed the number or identities of the candidates, sources suggest that Bridgestone, a Japanese company, has submitted an application. Bridgestone was previously involved in F1 from 1997 to 2010, serving as the single tyre supplier from 2007 after Michelin’s departure in 2006. Since leaving F1, Bridgestone has maintained its involvement in various major Japanese categories and international series, including IndyCar through its Firestone brand.
Eiichi Suzuki, Bridgestone’s manager of motorsports planning, revealed that the company is exploring participation in different series, including F1. However, Bridgestone has neither confirmed nor denied its formal application for the tyre tender contract. A company spokesperson emphasized Bridgestone’s long-standing commitment to motorsports but refrained from commenting on specific categories.
In other Formula 1 news, Mercedes and Ferrari are gearing up for a crucial 2024 tyre test with Pirelli, while the recent Spanish Grand Prix provided several noteworthy insights. Additionally, Aston Martin F1 faced challenges in understanding their soft tyre performance during the race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about tyre tender
What is the F1 tyre tender process?
The F1 tyre tender process is the selection procedure conducted by the FIA to determine the official tyre supplier for Formula 1. It involves interested parties submitting proposals for supplying tyres to F1 teams for a specified period, with the possibility of contract extensions.
What is the current status of the F1 tyre tender process?
The deadline for applicants for the 2025-2027 F1 tyre tender has passed, and the FIA is now evaluating the proposals from interested parties. The approved bidders will be announced on June 16. Successful candidates will proceed to the next stage, involving discussions with F1’s commercial rights holder.
Who are the potential contenders in the F1 tyre tender?
While the FIA has not confirmed the identities of the candidates, there are speculations that Pirelli, the current tyre supplier, has submitted a bid. Additionally, Bridgestone, a former F1 tyre supplier, is rumored to have applied for the tender. However, no official confirmation has been provided by either company.
How did Pirelli secure an extension in the previous tyre tender process?
Due to delays caused by the COVID pandemic in implementing new technical regulations, Pirelli was granted a one-year extension until the end of 2024 in the previous tyre tender process. This extension allowed them to continue as the official tyre supplier for Formula 1 during the transitional period.
What is the significance of Bridgestone’s potential return to F1?
Bridgestone, having previously served as the sole tyre supplier in F1 from 2007 to 2010, could make a comeback if they are successful in the current tyre tender process. Their involvement would introduce another major player in the motorsports industry and add a new dynamic to the competition between tyre manufacturers in Formula 1.
More about tyre tender
- FIA Official Website: The official website of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for international motorsports, including Formula 1.
- Formula 1 Official Website: The official website of Formula 1, providing news, updates, and information about the sport.
- Pirelli Official Website: The official website of Pirelli, the current tyre supplier for Formula 1, offering insights into their involvement in motorsports.
- Bridgestone Official Website: The official website of Bridgestone, a renowned tyre manufacturer with previous involvement in Formula 1.
- Motorsport.com: A popular motorsports news website covering various racing categories, including Formula 1, where you can find the latest updates on the F1 tyre tender process.
- BBC Sport – Formula 1: The Formula 1 section of the BBC Sport website, providing news, articles, and analysis related to the sport, including tyre supplier developments.
3 comments
This is some interesting stuff about the F1 tyre tender, man. Pirelli’s got some competition, and people are saying Bridgestone might be back! Can you imagine? Gonna be a real battle in the motorsports world, dude.
F1’s tyre game is heating up again, bro! Pirelli’s facing off against Bridgestone, and it’s got everyone talking. Can’t wait to see who gets the contract. Gonna be a wild ride in the world of motorsports!
Ah, the F1 tyre tender process, always filled with excitement. Pirelli’s been doing a solid job, but now they’ve got some serious competition from Bridgestone. The FIA better choose wisely, ’cause the motorsports fans are counting on them for some intense racing action!