Michelin F1 Tyres The Answer?

Renault F1’s executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, has spoken of his confidence that Michelin can provide the tyres that will help the team win at the German Grand Prix.

In terms of wins and points this season Michelin-clad vehicles have dominated the 2005 season, winning all the races – bar Indianapolis, and taking pole at all eleven events.

“Michelin has provided excellent tyres so far this year,” said Mr Symonds, “including in the very hot conditions we encountered in Bahrain in April.” Having said that, rear tyre wear will be a concern in Germany. “Hockenheim is what we think of as a ‘rear-limited’ circuit when we talk about tyres,” continued Mr Symonds. “The revised layout has high grip levels and is composed almost exclusively of hard acceleration phases from slow and medium speed corners. This means traction from the rear of the car is at a premium and rear tyre performance is critical. Furthermore, the track temperatures are always very high and we work hard to minimise the risk of blistering the rears.”

The ‘F1 CEO’ of Mclaren, Martin Whitmarsh, told Autosport that he thinks that Michelin supplies quicker tyres than Bridgestone at present. “’On the other hand,” Mr Whitmarsh insisted, “ don’t think the performance deficit of Ferrari is wholly attributable to tyres.”

Rather, the problem – or benefit – is strategy, he added. Michelin’s strategy was to stroll into F1 and sign as many teams as possible. Ferrari, and Bridgestone, saw the situation as an opportunity to unite and form a near ‘exclusive’ relationship. Mr Whitmarsh said: “At the moment perhaps Michelin has got the strategy right.”