Pirelli to present bid for 2011 return to F1

Pirelli has definitely joined the race to supply tyres to formula one teams next year.

We reported last week that, after a shareholder’s meeting of the Italian company, chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera said Pirelli might be interested in entering F1 if certain conditions are met.

He said that if the permitted diameter of F1 tyres is increased, and providing the arrangement makes financial sense, Pirelli would "look into this (F1) world with greater attention".

But in the wake of his comments, the F1 teams alliance FOTA met on Wednesday of this week, and Williams’ Sam Michael emerged confirming that the bulk of the conversation centred on a choice between Michelin and Avon.

However, Pirelli said in a statement on Thursday that it will now "present an offer for the supply of tyres to all the teams in the F1 championship".

The marque said the presentation will take place in Barcelona ahead of next weekend’s Spanish grand prix

Pirelli press release : "Pirelli communicates its decision to present a technical and commercial offer for supply of tyres to all the teams in the Formula One world championship.

The company plans to present the bid to FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) and FOA (Formula One Administration Limited) by 9 May, the date of the next Formula One Grand Prix to be held in Spain."