Pirelli boss, Paul Hembery has hinted that they may return to the
FIA World Rally Championship in 2008, when the sport officially becomes a single-tyre formula.
Wales Rally GB marked the end of Pirelli's involvement in the sport, at least for the immediate future and while
Petter Solberg put them and
Subaru on the podium, the Italian tyre manufacturer failed to win a single event this season. In contrast, their rivals, BFGoodrich, took the spoils on all 16 rounds.
"As we announced last summer, Pirelli will not compete directly for the 2007 World Rally Championship," said Hembery. "This last season has certainly not been one of the most sensational, but it is also true that, with the sudden, unexpected retirement of Mitsubishi a few weeks before the Rallye Monte Carlo and being able to only supply our tyres to just one factory team without any other top squads, Pirelli Competizioni found itself in a difficult situation.
"In addition, to find ourselves up against a little known brand and no longer our long-standing adversary - although in reality, the products supplied were those of that adversary - and of lower level than Pirelli, certainly did not improve matters.
"I would like to repeat that, while working in conditions that were not ideal, we always did everything we could to supply Subaru with the most competitive and technologically advanced products. We also brought to this rally new developments' of our Pirelli P Zero.
"
We are analysing the details provided by FIA on the tender competition to supply tyres for the WRC during the years 2008-2010. There are also other negotiations in progress for the 2007 season, but it is too early to speak of them. In the name of Pirelli, I would like to thank the Subaru World Rally Team for the collaborative spirit they have shown over many years. Now we must concentrate immediately on future commitments."
