DunlopDunlop will continue as the official tire supplier to the V8 Supercar championship for the foreseeable future after extending its current deal through to the end of 2017.

Currently in its 10th season as the sole tire supplier to the championship, the deal means that the company will be charged with developing the new 18in. tires for the "Car of the Future," which is scheduled to be introduced for the 2013 season.

V8 Supercar CEO Martin Whitaker said that interest in the tire tender for 2013-2017 had been strong, but that it made sense for the series to continue its partnership with Dunlop as the series worked toward its new car.

"It was a hard-won bid process," Mr Whitaker said. "Dunlop, in the end, was the worthy recipient and continues our long association in a critical time for the sport, with the Car of the Future just around the corner."