Pirelli's F1 tyre deal edging closer

The company's director of motorsport, Paul Hembery, was seen in discussions with a number of outfits and representatives of the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) throughout race day in Montreal.

Although Hembery did not speak about the progress of talks, it is understood that the main focus on efforts in Montreal were on sorting out a formal contract for Pirelli to become F1's tyre supplier.

Hembery's presence in Montreal is evidence of how far down the road Pirelli is with sorting out its plans with FOTA - and comes despite comments from FIA president Jean Todt last week that the tyre issue will soon go out to tender.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said earlier in the Canadian GP weekend that he hoped the FIA and FOM would agree with the direction that teams wanted to take.

"Hopefully it can be a collective consensus of opinion," said Horner. "What is massively important for us as an independent team is that costs are under control. Ideally there will be a single tyre supplier in order to ensure consistency and compatibility with all teams.

"I think the Pirelli deal that seems to be on the table looks to be commercially and practically very attractive, and that seems to be the consensus of the majority of teams. But it is important that the FIA and FOM agree with the relevant tyre supplier."