Amid the ’test-gate’ storm and uncertainty about the future, Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that Pirelli "has a contract" beyond 2013.
Until now, with the Italian marque pushing hard for a new deal but at the same time expressing frustration with its situation in F1, it was thought Pirelli had no contract beyond its original three-year deal covering 2011-2012-2013.
But when asked on Thursday about Pirelli’s situation, chief executive Ecclestone told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt,: "We have got a contract with Pirelli for next year."
Presumably, Ecclestone was referring to the organisation he leads, Formula One Management, who control the sport’s commercial rights separate to the governing FIA.
Ecclestone added: "Pirelli haven’t got an agreement with the FIA (for 2014)."