Will Pirelli return in 2014?

Hey,

Time for another quick poll!....

As we know, Pirelli's contract is up at the end of this season.

Will they come back next year? Whatcha' reckon?

Cheers,
Ian

 

Vote, don't just view, damnit!

 

I don't think they will (should). Unless there is the prospect of a tire war.

 

FWIW, I voted that they're done - But, I do *really* hope I'm wrong.

Cheers,
Ian

 

They will be back. After next year I think there might be a change.

 

+1

Always liked pirelli, for no particular reason.

 

I genuinely hope so.

Beg to differ there though. If they re-commit, and it's big if IMO, they'll get an exclusive for at least 3-4 years.

Cheers,
Ian

 

+1 Bought enough of 'em over the years!

I swore off Michelin after the Indy disaster and will never darken a rim with their stuff again.

Goodyear? [Already burnt by Bernie?]
Hankook? [Do they have the wherewithal?]
Toyo? [I enjoyed my R888's, but same Q as Hankook?]

Any others?

 

I voted they will ride it out, but to be perfectly honest I haven't a clue, it will all depend how this farce will pan out.

You could argue Pirelli have done too good of a job, and in one sense how could they really test their product on a 2010 car, it's like well lets see how they fare on these tyres, we don't really know.

 

I really didn't like the days of two tire suppliers so I hope F1 sticks to just one. I want to see a battle between constructors, not tire companies.

 

I think they will be back, but will redo the tires again.


I just dont understand why they dont just give the teams a choice of ALL tire types each race and let the teams decide what tires they will use

 

Probably too much to lug to each race.

As for Pirelli, they're probably sick of everyone whining when they're simply doing what they're asked. Although I hope they stick around.

 

It'll all come down to if they're getting return for being in F1.

The question is,... is just being the F1 tire enough to get customers? Or do they need to be quality.

The bottom line is they are crap. They last under 10 laps in many cases, and that's IF they're being babied. The driver's pretty much across the board hate them. I haven't heard a single driver praise them.

I'm certainly not likely to by Pirelli tires now. And my opinion of them since they have become the sole supplier for F1 has gone down. Before F1 I thought they were one of the best.

If I'm on the Pirelli Board... I'm REALLY PISSED.

 

I don't know they would. What's their incentive? Brand exposure? That hasn't really worked out in their favor. I just don't see the upside for them, if they build a perfect tire people will complain that it's boring. If they continue to build an unpredictable crap tire, people will complain that it adds an artificial 'forced' angle to the racing. That's the biggest problem with being the sole supplier of such a key part of the show, the spotlight is rarely forgiving.

 

Hi Simon,
I am surprised by this... Their street and other comp tires are still as good as ever, F1 requested that they add the additional spice, to THEIR circus and all teams are equally affected. A team car that is easy on these tires, would be similarly gentle, on any other tire.

This IMO, should not be held against them, that is... unless you are running Pirelli F1 tires, on your street car.

As for the single supplier method, I do like the fact that the tires are as equal as can be made.
Regards,
Bill

 

Correct, why folk cannot understand this is strange.

The only setback or lets say problem, is that Pirelli have not had at their disposal a up to date car to test on, so they can get some real results before letting them loose on the teams.

 

What many are saying is that managing these tires has become TOO much of a factor. Softs last 8 laps if treated carefully. They'll be dead in 3 if driven in anger. Supersofts don't exist.

To pretend this is what was asked for is just plain wrong. Pirelli got it wrong. If they didn't,... they wouldn't be changing things every GP.

 

I think Pirelli made what Bernie wants...

 

Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Company Ltd. next year.
Exploding tires will add a whole new strategy.

 

I think they'll be back, and that this whole debacle will be fixed even before then. It's predominately good publicity for the brand, and I don't think Michelin or Bridgestone will come back while Bernie's running the show.

 

Lol, I so hope a company "gives it a go" that knows NOTHING. Like Costco's new Kirkland performance tire line.

Or Coker make retro styled tires that look like the original Formula One tires from the 30's.

 

I think there in it for the long haul
They have a great image and F1
helps that even to a greater effect

 

I don't see them leaving any time soon and most rumours suggest they are in for 2014.

 

I would love to see tire wars return.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Hmmmm..... I'm a little surprised at the results so far - Thanks for voting and keep 'em coming if you haven't!

I was expecting "no" to dominate, but seems many here reckon they'll stick with it - I truly hope you're right & I'm wrong.....

Cheers,
Ian