Pirelli has organised an urgent meeting of team bosses, drivers and Formula 1 stakeholders in an attempt to resolve concerns about the direction of its tyres and to create a strategic plan for its future involvement in the sport.
The Italian supplier has come in for criticism that its tyres simply don't last long enough and therefore drivers are forced to drive in a manner which conserves the life of the rubber, rather than racing flat-out from start to finish.
Although Pirelli was initially tasked with delivering more pit stops, drivers have begun to express – through the Grand Prix Drivers' Association – a desire for longer-lasting tyres, and it's a development Bernie Ecclestone backs.
The 85-year-old told the BBC that "most drivers" had told him the same and he agrees "a million per cent".
It's likely too late for Pirelli to introduce a more durable tyre for 2016, but it's something that is being looked at for '17, particularly with the proposed regulation changes, but Pirelli's Paul Hembery has warned that a decision must be taken which pleases all involved parties. Pirelli have therefore called for an urgent meeting to discuss the matter.
"We are prepared to do what is required by the sport, but those requirements need to align between drivers, teams and the promoter," he said.
"We need clear direction – and going forward from there we need to extensively test any solutions."
Said meeting is set to take place on February 2 and is open to teams and drivers, according to Ecclestone.
"Whatever drivers want to turn up can turn up," he added. "Whatever teams want to turn up can turn up. It will be the president of Pirelli who is there, not a messenger."
