Alonso & Renault Ride Michelin to Victory

After eighteen strongly contested races Fernando Alonso, driving his Michelin-shod Renault, secured both Formula One world championship titles for 2006. Defending F1 world champion Renault began the defence of its title with a win in the season’s opening race in Bahrain. After placing second in Malaysia Alonso found himself back on the winner’s podium in Australia. This win was followed by subsequent victories in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Silverstone, Canada and Suzuka.

Michelin’s final season as a Formula One supplier was thus one to remember, having provided tyres for the champion driver. Team mate Giancarlo Fisichella also performed strongly, ensuring first place for Renault.

Alonso’s high praise for the French tyre company was voiced during the final race weekend of 2006 – “Michelin has done a fantastic job this season,” he said. “Ever since the opening race it has been determined to provide us with the very best tyres….The relationship between Renault and Michelin goes back many years – it’s an effective partnership and our mutual confidence is absolute.”