An agreement has been reached for Pirelli to continue as the official control tyre supplier to the MSA British Rally Championship for a further three years, it was confirmed today.

Pirelli's contribution to the Championship will ensure 'continued stability' and the deal will allow the Star Driver scheme to continue within Britain's premier rally championship.

“I'm delighted that we have been able to continue our long term relationship with the British Rally Championship,” said Dominic Sandivasci, managing director of Pirelli Tyres Ltd.

“This is good news for Teams and Competitors alike, as it provides stability and a foundation which will allow the Championship to continue to flourish. Pirelli is committed to developing young talent with a view to driving the sport forward and our new agreement allows us to continue to do this within the BRC.”

The MSA British Rally Championship will move into its 52nd year in 2010 and it is expected to continue to attract new, exciting and talented drivers as well as providing a showcase for established drivers and teams.

The Championship has moved towards a level playing field approach, controlling tyres and fuel as well as restricting cars to production-based machinery. This format has allowed true talent to shine and has been instrumental in attracting drivers from the British Isles, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Zimbabwe.

To reward the challenges faced in the British Rally Championship, the Pirelli Star Driver scheme has already given two talented drivers the chance to contest a whole season in the BRC, with this year's eventual winner benefitting from the same chance in 2010.

The 2008 Star Driver shootout finalists have also been eligible for a share of £10,500 prize money across the season, £6000 already split between Jason Pritchard, Luke Pinder and Andreas Sjolander.

“Pirelli has been synonymous with the British Rally Championship for several years now and I welcome their continued involvement and support,” added BRC championship manager, Mark Taylor.

“It will be fantastic to continue working with a company which not only provides excellent products and service, but has a shared vision for the future of rallying here in the UK.”