MILAN, Italy — Pirelli & C. S.p.A., the designated tire supplier to the FIA Formula 1, 2 and 3 racing series for the past dozen years, is interested in continuing in that role now that the Federation International de l'Automobile has published a tender offer for the 2025-27 seasons.
Pirelli issued a statement March 22 declaring: "A definitive decision about Pirelli's participation in the selection process will naturally be taken after a detailed examination of the FIA's document."
The Italian tire maker added: "The framework described by the FIA is closely aligned to Pirelli's motorsport strategy and so is of great interest, with the Italian company having been global tire partner to the sport for more than a decade, since 2011."
The FIA's tender offer "document outlines technical characteristics that are broadly in line with the tires used today and their relevance to technology transfer from track to road, putting a particular emphasis on sustainability," Pirelli added.
Interested parties have until May 15 to submit their bids. The FIA will decide by June 16 which bids — if there are multiple bids — will be submitted to the commercial rights holder of the championships, which will conduct commercial negotiations with each approved bidder.
The FIA's tender offer states that interested parties must submit bids for all three of the sanctioning body's top single-seat, open-wheel racing series.
Pirelli was granted the contract in 2010 for the Formula 1 and GP2 (now Formula 2) racing series in competition with Michelin Group. It succeeded Bridgestone Corp. as the series' tire supply partner.
Pirelli's current contract with the FIA runs through 2024. It was renewed in 2021 in part to allow Pirelli to complete the conversion of the F1 tire specification to an 18-inch rim diameter from the 13-inch format used for decades.
The FIA's tender offer stresses that selected tenderer will be expected to adhere to the FIA Environmental Strategy and to obtain the FIA Environmental Accreditation at least at a three-star level during the term of the contract.
The 52-page tender offer also notes that the company that is offered the contract must negotiate commercial rights to promote its brand separately with the series' promoter.
In 2018 the FIA extended Pirelli's role over a competing bid from Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd.
The new tender offer includes a provision for extending the contract for an additional season, through 2028, "for reasons related to the stability of the championships. ..."
