Pirelli faces rival bid from Bridgestone for F1 contract
Pirelli faces a new challenge in the Formula 1 tyre tender process as Bridgestone enters the fray, potentially shaking up the future of F1 tyre supply. The FIA is currently evaluating proposals from interested parties, and an announcement on the approved bidders is expected in June.
Pirelli, Formula 1's current tyre supplier, may have some competition on its hands as Japanese company Bridgestone is rumored to have made a bid for the official FIA tender contract from 2025 onwards.
The FIA had opened up the tender process earlier this year, allowing interested parties to apply for the contract from 2025 to 2027, with a possible extension until 2028.
Evaluation and approval process underway
The deadline for applicants was on May 15, and the FIA is currently in the process of evaluating the proposals from various companies.
On June 16, the FIA is expected to announce the approved bidders who will move on to the next stage of the process. This stage will involve discussions with Formula 1's commercial rights holder.
Pirelli's recent challenge
During the previous tyre tender process, which covered the period from 2020 to 2023, Pirelli faced a challenge from South Korean company Hankook.
However, due to delays in the introduction of new technical regulations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pirelli was granted a one-year extension until the end of 2024.
This allowed Pirelli to remain the sole tyre supplier for an additional year.
Bridgestone's previous involvement in F1
Bridgestone has a history of involvement in Formula 1, having been the single tyre supplier from 2007 to 2010.
Their participation followed Michelin's decision to exit the championship at the end of 2006.
Since leaving Formula 1, Bridgestone has continued its presence in major Japanese motorsport categories as well as other international series.
Their Firestone brand is currently the exclusive supplier for IndyCar.
Bridgestone's interest in F1
While Bridgestone has not officially confirmed whether or not they have applied for the F1 tyre tender contract, the company's manager of motorsports planning, Eiichi Suzuki, expressed their interest in evaluating involvement in other series, including Formula 1.
Suzuki stated that Bridgestone is constantly researching and considering the best way to supply motorsports activities in global categories.
At this time, the FIA has not disclosed the number or identity of the candidates who have applied for the tyre tender contract.
Bridgestone, too, has chosen not to confirm whether their interest extends to a formal application.
A Bridgestone spokesperson highlighted the company's long-standing history in motorsports but refrained from commenting on any specific categories.
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