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Confirmation of the continuation of the agreement between Pirelli and F1 until 2027 is scheduled to arrive today, with a further option for 2028. Bridgestone's offer has therefore been beaten, but there was also talk of an interest from Michelin.
A decision in the name of continuity, given that the Milan-based company has been present in the premier motor racing series since 2011, when it took over from Bridgestone.
Confirmation was not a foregone conclusion however. The Japanese colossus, which participated in the tender closed on May 15, might now therefore decide to dedicate itself again to MotoGP which has been a one-make Michelin championship since 2016.
Since the first victory at the Isle of Man Senior TT in 1973 (500cc with Jack Findley, Suzuki) and the first title in 1976 (with Barry Sheene, Suzuki), the Clermont-Ferrand manufacturer has won 33 world titles, and is currently showcasing with pride the maximum speed reached by its tyres, 363.6 km/h achieved by Jorge Martin at Mugello in 2022.
No tyre company is immune from mistakes, but the races serve precisely to avoid those that could affect series production, and there is no doubt that both Michelin and Pirelli are doing an excellent job.
Now it just remains to be seen if and when Michelin will confirm its commitment beyond the date established by the contract with Dorna. It is likely that here too, in addition to performance, they will focus on the environmental impact.
In fact, today at Bicocca, in Milan, Stefano Domenicali, the head of F1, and the president of the International Automobile Federation Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in announcing the continuation of the agreement, will talk about precisely this aspect.
It is interesting to note, even though it is not part of the topic, that the President of the FIA also expressed his view on the number of Formula 1 Grands Prix on the calendar, which in 2024 will probably arrive at 24 races.
“I think the number of races is too high and the number of teams too low. We would like more teams and fewer Grands Prix", said Ben Sulayem, which immediately brought to mind Dorna's refusal to grant KTM two additional places in MotoGP, as well as the number of GPs in the world championship which has reached a warning level .
It must be said that in recent times the Federations have counted for little in motor sports. Even if the FIA with Liberty Media definitely has more weight than the FIM with Dorna.
Going back to the topic of tyres, from next season the sole supplier for Moto3 and Moto2 will be Pirelli. It's unlikely that it wants to broaden his sphere of influence to MotoGP for the moment, but never say never.
