Pirelli makes its return to Formula One™ grid for the first time
since 1991. For the 2011 season it will also be the sole tyre
supplier to the Gp2 Series grid for the very first time. The
company has a famous pedigree in global motorsport and has already
recorded 44 victories from 200 starts in F1™. Founded 1872 in Milan
by Giovanni Battista Pirelli, Pirelli initially specialised in
rubber and derivative processes and now its sole focus is the
design and manufacture of tyres.
The company has a rich pedigree in motor racing and in 1974
invented the "wide radial tyre" for the iconic Lancia Stratos, a
tyre strong enough to withstand the power of the then new breed of
rally cars. Pirelli competed in Formula One™ in three distinct
periods between 1950 and 1958, 1981 and 1986, and 1989 and 1991 and
returns to the sport in 2011 following Bridgestone's decision to
withdraw from the role at the end of 2010.
In a further demonstration of their commitment to motorsport
across categories Pirelli has also been the sole tyre brand in the
FIM World Superbike Championship since 2007 and is the official
tyre supplier of the World Rally Championship.