Pirelli is “Happy” to be a part of Formula 1 and would like “to continue” to stay, says the Italian company’s Motorsport chief Mario Isola.
Pirelli was elected to replace Bridgestone as the exclusive tyre provider for F1 from 2011. The tyre company is going into 2018 season with a fairly big tyre line up which includes the new pink-striped ‘hypersofts’ and the orange ‘superhard’ compound.
The company’s contract with F1 runs out at the end of 2019 and Isola is eager to get an extension.
Talking with RACER, Isola said: “We are happy with the current situation, this is not a mystery.”
“Also our big boss Mr. [Marco] Tronchetti told the media that we are happy with Formula 1.
“We are very interested to understand what the plans are of the new owners for Formula 1 because there were a lot of discussions on future plans.”
“We are working a lot with them. We know it’s difficult for them and sometimes the criticism is a little bit too much, in my opinion.
“It’s not easy. It’s easy to criticize, but it’s not easy to make things happen. We are happy and we want to continue.
“It depends on many factors of course, but yes, we’re happy.”
Isola did not set a timeline for the discussion but is certain the talks about a new contract will start sometime this year.
“I believe there is the usual process with the tender that means they need to take a decision this year,” he added.
“I’m not in a position to tell you if it’s June or September or when, but for sure [it will be this year].
“If we continue then it is clearly less of a problem but if there is a new manufacturer coming then they need time
