Pirelli hoping for 'five or six' title contenders

Pirelli Formula One boss Mario Isola has conceded that the Italian tyre manufacturer wants to see 'five or six' team world championship contenders in the upcoming 2018 campaign, and has singled out McLaren for particular improvement after three years of little success.

Mercedes have won four championships in a row and are going for five in 2018, while Red Bull and Ferrari will be providing stiff competition for the Silver Arrows again.

Force India have been very impressive since entering F1 and have secured two fourth-placed finishes in the sport despite having the smallest budget on the grid, while McLaren are confident of making an impression this season with their new Renault engines.

Isola is hoping that at least five teams can be competitive in the constructor rankings.

"The world championship this year will be interesting," he told Spain's Marca.

"Last year we saw that Ferrari was very close to Mercedes and also Red Bull progressed a lot, so I hope we will see five or six teams fighting for victories including McLaren,"

The Pirelli boss went on to single out Fernando Alonso's ability as being impressive, and insisted that this would be vital in McLaren's pursuit of more podium finishes and potentially wins.

"Fernando is undoubtedly one of the best drivers in the world, and this year he will be able to demonstrate what he is capable of," said Isola.

"I am sure that McLaren will develop a lot and return to the place they deserve in 2018."