Pirelli wins tyre tender to supply WRC top tier and R5s from 2021
Pirelli has been selected as the control tyre supplier to the World Rally Championship from 2021, ending Michelin's strong run at the top level of the WRC
Italian tyre firm Pirelli, which has been involved in the WRC since the start in 1973, will deliver all tyres used by Rally1 (World Rally Cars) and Rally2 cars (R5 class) for a four-year term starting in 2021 until the end of 2024.
Pirelli already supplies junior categories in the World and European Rally Championships and recently signed a four-year extension to its Formula 1 agreement.
MRF, Hankook and the current supplier to World Rally Car teams, Michelin, were all understood to have tendered and made it through the final four in the process.
The World Motor Sport Council conducted an e-vote on the decision earlier this week, with the decision coming on Friday afternoon.
FIA rally director Yves Matton said: "This is an exciting new phase in the development of the World Rally Championship and we are happy to announce Pirelli as our exclusive single tyre supplier for a period of four years from 2021.
"I am convinced Pirelli will bring a wealth of experience to the program."
The 2021-2024 period will be Pirelli's second stint as a control tyre supplier to the WRC, having done the same from 2008 to 2010.
The Pirelli Star Driver programme was one of the highlights of the firm's investment in WRC during that time, with current world champion Ott Tanak, Rally Argentina winner Hayden Paddon and Hyundai driver Craig Breen among the highest profile graduates of that scheme.
Since Pirelli's departure at the end of 2010, most factory teams have used Michelin tyres. The only none-Michelin success came when Elfyn Evans won the 2017 Wales Rally GB on DMACK rubber.
Pirelli has often supplied privateers in the 2010s, and has enjoyed recent success in the WRC's support categories including winning the WRC 2 class at Wales Rally GB, where 2003 WRC champion Petter Solberg was victorious using Pirellis on his Volkswagen Polo R5 (pictured below).
Opel reveals more details on e-Rally Cup E-Corsa car
WRC cars will get a boost from hybrid power on stages from 2022
The outrageous mountain-climbers that became Pikes Peak legends
The outrageous mountain-climbers that became Pikes Peak legends The outrageous mountain-climbers that became Pikes Peak legends
Ranking lost WRC legend Richard Burns' 10 best rallies
Ranking lost WRC legend Richard Burns' 10 best rallies Ranking lost WRC legend Richard Burns' 10 best rallies
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
Norris: McLaren "not miles away" from Verstappen after F1 Japanese GP double podium
Norris: McLaren "not miles away" from Verstappen after F1 Japanese GP double podium Norris: McLaren "not miles away" from Verstappen after F1 Japanese GP double podium
2023 F1 Japanese GP results: Max Verstappen wins
2023 F1 Japanese GP results: Max Verstappen wins 2023 F1 Japanese GP results: Max Verstappen wins
F1 Japanese GP: Verstappen cruises to victory, Red Bull ties up constructors' crown
F1 Japanese GP: Verstappen cruises to victory, Red Bull ties up constructors' crown F1 Japanese GP: Verstappen cruises to victory, Red Bull ties up constructors' crown
Sargeant handed penalty for third car rules breach ahead of F1 Japanese GP
Sargeant handed penalty for third car rules breach ahead of F1 Japanese GP Sargeant handed penalty for third car rules breach ahead of F1 Japanese GP
How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph
How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph How the WRC saw a different side to Rovanpera in his latest Acropolis triumph
How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg
How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg How iconic cars from each WRC era compare at the hands of Petter Solberg
How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland
How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland How the WRC title race was ignited by Evans in Finland
How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination
How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination How Rovanpera reached a Loeb-like level in Estonia WRC domination
How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout
How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout How Ogier held his nerve to repeat Toyota's Safari WRC rout
The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought
The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought The Neuville splash and grab that ends Hyundai’s WRC win drought
How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal
How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal How Rovanpera fired the WRC a timely reminder of his class in Portugal
How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough
How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough How Evans ended his WRC drought in sombre Croatia breakthrough
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.