Pirelli says no to F1

As was suggested earlier on Wednesday, Pirelli has rejected suggestions it might enter the race to become F1's new supplier of control tyres.

With the Japanese supplier Bridgestone not willing to stay in formula one beyond its 2010 contract, the sport's other recent tyre brands Goodyear and Michelin played down reports they might consider taking over the role as official supplier.

Now the Milan based Pirelli company has followed suit.

"Pirelli's previous position on F1 hasn't changed," a spokeswoman is quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.

"Pirelli prefers to develop tyres for racing that will also be used on the road," she added.

Amid the FIA's last tender, Kumho and Yokohama were also mentioned as possibly interested in F1.