Italian tyre manufacturers Pirelli are set to become Formula One's official tyre supplier for 2011.

Following a head-to-head battle with France-based rival manufacturer Michelin, Pirelli have emerged as favourites.

It is expected that they will finalise a two-year contract with a guarantee that there will be no tyre wars until 2013.

Pirelli chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera said: "We'll see. There is this hypothesis. By Friday (today), we should know something."

If Pirelli are confirmed, it will signal their return as tyre suppliers for the first time since 1991.

Pirelli racing manager Mario Isola said: "I think that Pirelli has a very big tradition in motorsport. We have been involved for more than 100 years and shown we have the technical ability."

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