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Pirelli explains decision to leave WRC as tyre supplier
The World Rally Championship (WRC) will be changing its control rubber from 2025, as Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has decided not to submit a bid for the FIA’s 2025-2027 tyre tender. Pirelli had won the previous tender and supplied tyres to all WRC categories from 2021-2024. Potential contenders for the new WRC tyre contract include Michelin, MRF, and Hankook. Pirelli will continue to supply tyres to Formula 1 and is expected to retain that contract. According to Pirelli boss Mario Isola, the decision not to continue in the WRC was not driven by cost savings, as the company believes in being a part of the top class sport. They will continue to develop products for rallying and focus on other ways to showcase their brand. Isola also mentioned that the association between a brand and a motorsport championship takes time to develop, with different audiences in different championships.
Source: motorsport
