Pirelli eye long-term F1 tire deal

Pirelli F1 tires

Pirelli's current deal to supply tires to Formula One may end at the end of next year, but they're hopeful of extending their stay in the sport.

The Italian manufacturer took over as the sole tire supplier to F1 in 2011, following Bridgestone's withdrawal at the end of the previous year.

The role that tires have played in this season's running has come in for criticism, with many saying that they have helped to create a 'lottery' in the sport.

However, while opinions may be divided, for their part Pirelli are interested in remaining in F1 beyond 2013 when their current deal expires.

"Our current contract runs until the end of 2013, but we always intended to be in F1 for the medium-to-long term," Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery told Autosport. "The deadline for the 2014 decision is next June.

"If the sport wants us to stay and we can convince the board to continue, in light of economic conditions, then our intention is to go forward."