Pirelli seals Formula One extension

Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has concluded a three-season extension to its partnership with the Formula One motor racing series.

Pirelli will remain Formula One’s exclusive tyre supplier for the 2017 to 2019 seasons as part of the deal. The extension was first announced last October and has now been formally ratified following negotiations between Pirelli, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Formula One teams surrounding new tyre regulations for the upcoming seasons.

Under the new regulations, Pirelli will be able to test current-size tyres including prototype elements on 2012, 2013 and 2014-specification cars ahead of the 2017 season.

A total of 25 days of testing with modified 2015 cars has also been agreed, using prototype tyres in 2017 size. This element of testing will commence later in the summer.

Pirelli’s contract was due to expire following the conclusion of the 2016 season. As Formula One’s exclusive tyre supplier, it is granted extensive branding rights on race weekends. Pirelli also served as title sponsor of the Chinese and Spanish grand prix races earlier this year.

Pirelli has been in partnership with Formula One since 2011.