Pirelli to depart WRC next season

Italian tire giant will not continue as the WRC’s sole tire supplier beyond 2024

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Pirelli’s time in the World Rally Championship will end at the conclusion of next season following its decision not to tender for the 2025 supply agreement.

The Italian firm will remain the control tire supplier next season, concluding its current three-year agreement.

The Milanese outfit’s decision leaves Michelin, MRF and Hankoook in a three-way race for the three-year contract starting from January 2025.

Pirelli offered no comment in a statement issued on Saturday morning, eight hours after the tender win had closed with the WRC Promoter and FIA.

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The statement, which confirmed Pirelli would remain in rallying, said: “Pirelli has not submitted its candidature to supply the FIA World Rally Championship from 2025-2027. As a result, the Italian firm will conclude its partnership as a single supplier to the WRC in 2024, having achieved the targets set three years ago at the start of the current contact.

“Pirelli – present in more than 350 motorsport championships around the world – remains committed to rallying, and will continue its participation in all the other rally competitions in which it is currently involved.

Pirelli – present in more than 350 motorsport championships – remains committed to rallying Pirelli statement

“These include the FIA European Rally Championship, won this year by Hayden Paddon in a Pirelli-equipped Hyundai. The ERC is organized by the same promoter as the WRC, with a number of different tire manufacturers taking part.

“Pirelli is also present in more than 40 national rally championships worldwide, as well as a wide variety of other events for modern and historic rally cars.”

Words:David Evans

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