Michelin’s F1 Return Dependant on Competition

The rumours continue to circulate about Michelin’s return as a tyre supplier to Formula One, says Tire Review. However, a source with the French manufacturer told Racing Engineering that its return is sure to be partly dependent on competition from rival companies. “We are interested in it but it must be right, who knows what will happen,” the spokesperson said. “Certain things have to be done, we must have competition, and we do not want to be the only supplier.”

Bridgestone’s F1 contract will run out at the end of the season, leaving the category without a confirmed tyre provider for 2011. Michelin has expressed interest in returning, but a deal appears to rest on a number of conditions. Reports suggest the French company wants to be paid by the teams for its tyre supply and it has now confirmed competition is another of its provisions.

The spokesperson also confirmed Michelin wants F1 tyres to be more relevant to its road-going products and those used in sports car racing. This is likely to take the form of low-profile tyres mounted on 18-inch wheels.

“Also we need to be able to use the opportunity of competition to improve our tyre technology. For example, our new Pilot 3 road tyres had technology developed for Le Mans in them. We need this from Formula One. Finally, it must have the possibility to improve the greenness, perhaps we would like something like the Green X Challenge in F1 something to help ecology.”

Michelin was last in F1 from 2001 to 2006 during a period of fierce competition with Bridgestone. Kumho and Hankook have also reportedly expressed interest in F1 in 2011.