Pirelli Threatens To Quit F1

Italian tyre manufacturer and the sole supplier of tyres to Formula One, Pirelli, has threatened to quit the racing series.

The reason for the threat is over the plans for a 2017 test programme which would see five teams testing the new tyres for the 2017 season which would see the teams use wider tyres.

According to Motorsport.com, Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery has stated that the Italian company will wash its hands off Formula 1 if he doesn't get a favourable reply from the FIA over its testing plans.

Hembrey stated, "When I land (in Europe after the Chinese Grand Prix), if I don't have an email confirming it's approved, or something else positive, then you will be calling me for a different story."

Formula One's changes will see the introduction of wider tyres and even more downforce as F1 tries to make its cars go even faster in a bid to bring back spectators and TV audiences to the sport which has seen a decline in popularity in recent years.