Pirelli would not fear a rival tyre supplier in F1

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Pirelli boss Marco Tronchetti Provera says the Italian company would not be opposed to fighting a rival manufacture in Formula 1 in the future.

Pirelli has been the sport's exclusive supplier since 2011, and will remain F1's sole supplier until its contract is up at the end of 2019.

Historically, Formula 1 enjoyed an open battle between tyre suppliers for many years although American company Goodyear was often at the forefront of tyre success in Grand Prix racing.

The last F1 season which saw competition between suppliers was 2006, when Michelin and Bridgestone supplied the grid.

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"We race everywhere in the world, alone and against others," said Provera.

"We like competition. When we race with the others, we win. We're ready for any competition, with anybody."

Provera insisted however that the teams' current preference was for F1 to have just a single tyre supplier.

Pirelli's chairman also underlined the company's intention of remaining at the pinnacle of motorsport beyond 2019.

"We're committed," he said.

"We see F1 remaining as the most attractive race in the world. Pirelli is the largest supplier of motorsport globally. I don't see any issue."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.