Tire manufacturer and long-time partner of the IndyCar Series, Firestone, has decided to reverse its decision to pull out of the series at the end of the season and will now stay on for at least a further two years.
At the beginning of the week, team owners had voted to do whatever it takes to entice Firestone to stay after the company had declared that it would withdraw from its role as the championship's sole tire supplier.
Series boss Randy Bernard said the teams' determination to keep Firestone was a crucial element.
"We feel that this new supply agreement will benefit everyone. It provides a proven safe and reliable Firestone product for the transition to the all-new cars for 2012. We have to thank everyone at Firestone for working with us to help ensure the best for the long-term growth of our sport."
The new agreement only covers IndyCar. Firestone has been title sponsor and tyre supplier to feeder category Indy Lights, but still intends to leave this series at the end of the year.
At the beginning of the week, team owners had voted to do whatever it takes to entice Firestone to stay after the company had declared that it would withdraw from its role as the championship's sole tire supplier.
Series boss Randy Bernard said the teams' determination to keep Firestone was a crucial element.
"We feel that this new supply agreement will benefit everyone. It provides a proven safe and reliable Firestone product for the transition to the all-new cars for 2012. We have to thank everyone at Firestone for working with us to help ensure the best for the long-term growth of our sport."
The new agreement only covers IndyCar. Firestone has been title sponsor and tyre supplier to feeder category Indy Lights, but still intends to leave this series at the end of the year.