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."
As for the Rally GB itself, Pirelli rally manager, Mario Isola was happy to see them win five stages out of a possible 17: "Petter exploited well the Pirelli P Zero tyres we offered him, as is shown by the five specials stages overall that he won," he added. "Further confirmation of the great value of P Zero came from the Group N podium, which was entirely monopolised by drivers who competed on Pirelli tyres: Anton Alen, Patrik Flodin and Oscar Svedlund dominated that segment of this rally with their Subaru Impreza STis on Pirelli."
Mark Higgins meanwhile, who was involved with Pirelli throughout the season, assisting them with their development, said it was sad to think this could be their last official WRC event.
"They have been apart of rallying for many, many years," Higgins told
Crash.net Radio. "The history they have in rallying and the wins they have had are incredible. They have had good and bad years, but then we all have. For them to be pulling out is a big shame - but they have got plenty of things they will be working on for the future. There is a single make tyre coming in, in a couple of years, so maybe they are working for that. I don't know."
