Pirelli Says Time Running Out for 2014 Contract

As if there was not enough controversy about tires in Formula 1 already, now there is a contract dispute for next season to add to the list of grievances. 

Pirelli says that the teams are running out of time to make a deal for the tires for 2014. 

"Apparently on September 1, we are meant to tell them everything that they need to know with the tires for next season, but now we are in mid-May.

"You can imagine how ludicrous that is when we have not got contracts in place," said Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery.

He claims that if a deal is not completed soon, Pirelli will not have time to make new tires in time. Hembery says that due to all of the technical changes next year the tires need a complete technical change, which takes time.

"Things are getting extremely serious because the changes next year are substantial.

"The sport has to take a rapid decision because aside from having the fixed resources in the business involved in F1, we need to do a technical job as well," he said.

To make the problem even more complicated, Pirelli has reportedly made an advertising deal in F1 with Bernie Ecclestone for at least next year.

Pirelli might be getting involved in a dangerous game with the teams. If the contract lapses, then the teams would be free to make individual deals with tire makers. Given how upset many teams have been with Pirelli this season, they might welcome any alternative.

Source: Autosport