The decision over F1's future tyre supplier will be made by Bernie Ecclestone after the bids of both Pirelli and Michelin met the FIA's technical and safety requirements.
The FIA opened up a new tyre tender process this year for the contract between 2017 and 2019, with Michelin going up against Pirelli for the right to become F1's sole supplier. The first stage of the selection process has been completed by the FIA, with both Pirelli and Michelin meeting stringent technical and safety requirements. The next stage will see the two manufacturers negotiate commercial terms with Bernie Ecclestone, before the tyre company is officially appointed by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council.
Pirelli has supplied tyres since 2011, but Michelin, which last participated in F1 in 2006, wants to wrestle the contract off the Italian company with a supply of low-profile, durable rubber. Pirelli says it will continue to offer the sport whatever tyres it desires if it wins the contract.