Horner says Pirelli return a boost for F1

With Pirelli closing in on a deal to become F1's tyre supplier from the start of 2011, Horner reckons that what the Italian company is offering is a good way forward.

"I think Pirelli will be really positive for F1," said Horner in Turkey. "They are a quality company, they are a good brand to have in F1 and I think it is good news for F1. It is also really a good quantity of tyres they are looking at supplying and we are looking forward to working with them.

"Like with Bridgestone, we expect everyone to have parity in terms of supply and equipment - and that is the big advantage of a standard supplier. Doing that enables teams such as Red Bull to be competitive with teams like Ferrari, McLarens and Mercedes."

Although a deal with Pirelli is close, it is believed there are still final contractual matters that need tidying up before it can be announced. These issues relate to commercial terms, future option clauses and specific in terms of technical collaboration with the teams - which could yet take several days to sort out.

Horner reckons that the matter was in hand, however - and he urged commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone to sort out the remaining sticking points.

"To be honest, I think it is just a matter of dotting the i's and crossing the t's. Pirelli has made a very good offer, it is down to Bernie to do his bit now and get on with it."

Horner also supported the idea of teams getting at least one test on Pirelli rubber at some point before the end of the year.

"It would be great to have a tyre test," he said. "It would be useful for the design of next year's car and winter preparations."