Pirelli is "keen" to extend its Formula 1 deal beyond next year but will not be forced into a "bidding war," according to Scott Mitchell of MOTORSPORT. The Italian tire manufacturer has been F1's sole supplier since taking over the role from Bridgestone in '10. It is understood Pirelli Exec Vice Chair & CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera told shareholders on Tuesday that its participation beyond '19, the end of its current agreement, "is not guaranteed." Provera said that Pirelli's participation in F1 had "worked well but it would not be held to ransom" and the company is "seeking similar commercial terms to its present deal." He explained that it was "not essential" for Pirelli to stay in F1 "given its huge presence" in int'l motorsport. As well as being the sole tire supplier to the World Superbike Championship, Pirelli claims to support 460 car and bike events each year. A Pirelli spokesperson said, "As we have always said, Formula 1 is a good match for us and we are happy and honored to stay there. But if it comes down to a bidding war, we would not stay at any cost" (MOTORSPORT, 5/16).
