[10/09/05 - 20:34]
Michelin threaten 2007 pull-out
Seeking competition, not a control tyre series
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Edouard Michelin makes his views clear at Spa
Michelin said this evening at Spa Francorchamps that they will pull out of Formula One if plans for a single tyre manufacturer are forced through by the FIA for the 2008 season.
Michelin currently supplies seven of the ten teams on the Grand Prix grid while rival brand Bridgestone supplies Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi. In a day of announcements, Red Bull has confirmed they will stay with Michelin in 2006, while Williams are to move over to Bridgestone and will be followed by Toyota.
In a press conference this evening Michelin chief Edouard Michelin warned:
"We will withdraw from 2008 if there is a single tyre and before that, before 2007 maybe. We will consider the situation."
The teams, manufacturers and the governing body, the FIA, are currently in discussions over plans for a new set of regulations to commence when the current Concorde Agreement comes to an end in 2007.
FIA President Max Mosley has been pushing for the introduction of a single tyre supplier, the contract for which would be put out to tender for both manufactures as well as any outside companies. But with an agreement expected on the new rules by the end of the year, Michelin's comments suggested the company could end their involvement in the sport as soon as the end of 2006 if the single supplier proposals are voted in.
"We have stated repeatedly that we are opposed to this proposal made by the FIA of controlled monopoly tyres with a specific tyre supplier for 2008," Michelin said.
"The main argument which is presented in favour of control tyres is that competing tyre manufacturers increase the number of tests and therefore Formula One costs. But we have solutions to reduce costs without limiting competition."
Michelin argued that his company's work with rivals Pirelli in the World Rally Championship has proven that tyre manufacturers can compete openly while maintaining a controlled budget. He appealed to the Michelin teams to consult with their Bridgestone rivals to discuss proposals to achieve cost savings, among which are possible measures concerning the number of tyres per race as well as limiting testing distance.
"There is probably more than 100 million (Dollars) to save by controlling the testing so the economic argument to eliminate competition and choice between and for tyre manufacturers simply does not make sense," he continued.
"This is our analysis. So maybe there are other reasons behind the FIA proposals for monopoly tyre and we would like those behind the ideas within the FIA to be transparent about their intentions and this is not the case today."
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This evening's Michelin press conference at Spa
"In the event that control tyre was adopted, we assume this would involve tenders. What are the selection criteria and will the FIA disclose that? We are seeking more transparency on this."
Michelin arrived in Formula One in March 2001 as supplier to five of the then 11 teams - Williams, Benetton, Jaguar, Minardi and Prost - and have gradually increased their share of the grid.
McLaren Mercedes switched to Michelin tyres two years ago, BAR Honda made the move for the start of last year and Sauber crossed to the French manufacturer at the start of this season.
The introduction of new regulations that require tyres to last for a full race distance this season has seen Michelin rise to the top with Bridgestone struggling to perform after winning the title for the last seven years. But Bridgestone remains committed to the sport whereas Michelin are no longer happy with the proposed tyre rules for the future.
E.A.
Source AFP
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