Qualifying tires could return to Formula 1 next year, with Pirelli having offered the teams the chance to bring the short-life rubber back to the sport.
Qualifying tires disappeared from grand prix racing after the 1991 season, when both Pirelli and Goodyear supplied the field with very grippy rubber that performed at its peak during a single flying lap. The FIA banned that sort of tire after Pirelli's withdrawal from the sport, when only Goodyear was left to supply the teams.
However, Pirelli boss Paul Hembery told AUTOSPORT that the Italian manufacturer has offered the teams to bring the tires back next year and was waiting for their thoughts about the idea.
"We've put the idea of qualifying tires to the teams and we will get their feedback," said Hembery. "If they don't want to do it, we won't do it.
"It might be a step too far next year and too much for the teams to take on board, but it's something that we have offered."