Michelin Says F1 Tyre Supply Unbalanced

Michelin has revealed that an eighth team has approached Michelin looking for a Formula supply agreement. Michelin stated that since its return to Formula One it has noticed an imbalance of teams requesting its tyres, with seven teams currently using its products.

“Michelin is obviously delighted by the confidence this demonstrates, both in the positive appreciation of its products by its partners and also in the recognition of its policy of treating all its partners equally,” the statement read. “However, this situation does not help the development of long-term competition between tyre manufacturers; a principle to which Michelin is firmly committed.”

“Michelin is therefore completely open to allowing for a more balanced split of teams among tyre manufacturers, starting as early as the 2006 season,” it continued. “Furthermore, as Michelin has often stated, it remains fully in favour of working on adapting the regulations relating to tyres in the F1 environment, with a view to better cost-control, improving safety and to continuing to develop exciting racing for the fans.”

Michelin chairman and CEO, Edouard Michelin commented: “Formula One must remain the marvellous technological showcase that it is, thus allowing the world’s automobile players to compete, whilst offering a true show for the fans, as well as providing benefits within the automotive industry. It is with this in mind that tyre manufacturers must be able to make their own contribution towards improving the performances of the teams they supply. This supposes that there be at least two tyre manufacturers involved, maybe even more.”