Revived F1 tyre war would hit costs and competition, says Pirelli

40

Pirelli's Mario Isola believes a return to multiple tyre suppliers in Formula 1 would only increase costs and increase the performance gap between teams.

The Italian manufacturer took over from Bridgestone in 2011 as the sport's exclusive tyre supplier, but the Japanese company and Michelin shared the F1 market between 2001 and 2006.

While F1 fans have pronounced themselves in favour of open competition between tyre suppliers, according to a survey conducted by the Motorsport Network, Isola believes the impact would ultimately be negative for Grand Prix racing.

Horner sees new Pirelli range as harbinger of 'better racing'

"It is a different situation," Isola said while speaking at the Autosport International show in Birmingham.

"At the moment, we supply the same product to all teams. So we put all the teams on the same level, in terms of tyres.

"If you open competition, you increase the costs because you need to test.

"You will have top teams with a better product compared to the midfield or lower teams as you don't have any obligation to supply the same tyres to everybody," added the Italian manager.

"You create a differential between the top teams and the others. Maybe with two or three tyre manufacturers, you can have a couple of teams fighting at top but the rest will be struggling for performance.

"With the tyre, you can easily find half a second or more, so you generate bigger delta compared to now."

Looking forward to the 2018 season, the Pirelli doesn't believe fans will be left confused by the company's increased range of compounds and colors this year.

"I know that there were some criticisms around this choice to increase the number of compounds," said Isola.

"I believe that with the additional compounds we have more flexibility and the opportunity to make a better selection in order to have the all the three compounds suitable for the trace.

"The target is to have a bit more degradation to try to target two [pit] stops and different strategies."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.