Pirelli came close to F1 tire deal

(GMM) Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli, sole supplier for the world rally championship next year, reportedly came within an inch or so of returning to formula one.

The financial news agency AFX says Milan based Pirelli pulled out of the race with Bridgestone to win the 2008-2010 sole-supplier tender after F1's governing body refused to alter the technical rules.

Pirelli CEO Francesco Gori is quoted as saying that he "met" with FIA chiefs where he gave them his proposal to increase the size of a formula one tire to at least 15 inches.

"Gori reportedly said that, if (the) FIA had gone with its original recommendation of 17-inch wheel diameter limits, Pirelli would have entered formula one immediately," the publication Tire Review said.

F1 tires are just over 14 inches (360mm).