WRC will continue to be open to tyre firms

The World Rally Championship will remain free for tyre competition for the next three years.

WRC Promoter had been pushing for a return to a control tyre, but FIA rally director Jarmo Mahonen ruled that out.

“A control tyre does have certain benefits,” said Mahonen, “but why would we try to fix something that’s not broken? We are very lucky to have four tyre manufacturers in the WRC, something that I see as a very good thing.”

Michelin announced a fresh three-year commitment to the WRC last week, with motorsport director Pascal Cousanon saying: “Our loyalty to the sport is due to the close ties that exist between the discipline and everyday motoring, since the WRC features roads and tracks that are used by ordinary motorists.”