Russian GP: New Pirelli deal done, says Bernie Ecclestone

“A commercial agreement has been found with FOM (Formula One Management)”, Pirelli motorsport head Paul Hembery told reporters.

Pirelli has confirmed a commercial deal has been signed with Ecclestone, with the matter now simply needing to be finalized via the usual FIA processes.

Pirelli’s tweet refers to comments made by Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Group, during a television broadcast prior to the start of the Russian Grand Prix.

Pirelli made more testing a condition of its continued involvement in Formula One, but the exact details of the deal have not yet been announced.

Pirelli has been the exclusive tyre supplier since 2011 and the current deal was until 2016.

“We are going ahead”, Tronchetti Provera confirmed to Italian broadcaster Sky. Leading drivers were then reportedly instructed in a meeting with Ecclestone to row back in their public criticisms of Pirelli.