Pirelli not sure Michelin wants F1 contract

Pirelli chief Marco Tronchetti Provera has admitted it is not clear if the Italian company will face any rivals to remain F1’s sole tyre supplier beyond 2016.

Already in Monaco, Pirelli’s chairman and CEO made a rare appearance in the paddock to officially confirm his desire to win the next official supply contract for 2017 through 2019.

But also reportedly interested is the former F1 supplier Michelin, even though there have been some mixed messages in the media about whether the French company will actually lodge its application by the June 17 deadline.

Tronchetti Provera, however, told Italian media at an event in Milan that "On June 17, our offer (application) will be delivered."

And when asked about Michelin’s apparent interest, he added: "On the 17th, we will see who is there."