Michelin out of F1 after season '06...

**^^v** · 15-12-2005 12:16 PM

[14/12/05 - 15:26]

Michelin will leave F1 after 2006 season
The French tyre manufacturer confirms its decision

Michelin's final season in F1

Michelin has on several occasions expressed the conditions of its involvement in Formula One: Michelin considers Formula One to be a highly technical motorsport in which the tyre is a very influential component in the scope of the performance of the vehicle.

The teams' freedom to choose their own tyres is essential. Therefore, competition between at least two tyre manufacturers is critical; this provides the basis for real competition between tyre suppliers which, in turn, stimulates progress for the public’s greater interest.

Today, it would appear as though Formula One rules will be modified to impose a single tyre supplier.

After consulting with its loyal partners (McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber F1, Renault F1, Honda Racing F1) as well as with Sir Frank Williams, Michelin is now convinced that the evolution towards a single tyre supplier is inevitable. Michelin expresses its regret to see F1 lose a part of its high technology.

In addition to this new direction in F1, there are constant changes to racing regulations without warning. Such practices also make planning for the future completely impossible.

In this context, continuing to make long-term investments in Formula One no longer presents the same interest.

Michelin has therefore decided not to extend its Formula One involvement beyond the 2006 season.

"This decision is the result of profound differences between Michelin’s long-standing sporting philosophy and the way Formula One is managed by the regulating authorities, which no longer provide a clear and sustainable environment to justify long-term investments,” commented Mr. Edouard Michelin.

"For Michelin, leaving Formula One in no way represents abandoning motorsports, to which the Michelin brand has been committed for 117 years. If F1’s ways of functioning were to be significantly modified, Michelin would not hesitate in proposing its services to the different teams once again."

Michelin’s withdrawal at the end of 2006 will almost certainly bring into play a single tyre supplier in 2007. In this new situation, it should be possible to verify if the FIA’s vaunted advantages of control tyres are proven and, in particular, if equality amongst teams really is guaranteed.

This decision is being made public in December 2005 to respect the FIA’s required notice period and to provide a maximum amount of preparation time to Michelin partners, with whom there was no firm commitment beyond 2006.

In conclusion, Mr. Edouard Michelin stated: "No matter what, Michelin will do everything possible to ensure that its partners receive the best service and the best tyres to help them win during the 2006 season, as has always been the case since our return to Formula One in 2001. Michelin would have liked to have extended its long-term Formula One involvement, because the demands of Formula One as well as the collaboration with partner teams have been such a source of progress and fruitful exchanges. Thank you to all of our partners for this.”

Press release
Michelin

bit of a shame imo...

**^^v** · 15-12-2005 12:19 PM

[14/12/05 - 17:36]

FIA statement on Michelin’s withdrawal
Single tyre supplier earlier than expected...

Single tyre supplier for 2007?

Michelin announced today that it will leave Formula One at the end of the 2006 season. The FIA soon made a statement following the French tyre manufacturer’s announcement:

The FIA has noted Michelin's announcement of its withdrawal from Formula One at the end of 2006.

Everyone in Formula One will be most grateful to Michelin for the efforts they have made and for their courtesy in giving the necessary full year's notice.

The competing teams have repeatedly and unanimously requested the FIA to impose a single tyre supplier in Formula One. This has been agreed for 2008, but Michelin's announcement makes it probable for 2007. The teams will certainly be glad of this.

A single tyre supplier will undoubtedly make Formula One fairer, safer and less expensive for the teams but, above all, it will avoid a repetition of the problem which arose at the 2005 US Grand Prix.

Source FIA

**civ_sik** · 15-12-2005 12:19 PM

its funny because soon michelin wont be involved with any world class championships except moto gp, after also quitting wrc...

**civ_sik** · 15-12-2005 12:21 PM

i just noticed michelin also havent stated to have consulted RBR or listed them as one of their "loyal partners" wonder why...

**kousoku** · 15-12-2005 01:08 PM

fia is a joke, without competition their is no innovation.

This coming season of f1 will be the most intersting in many years but also too i beleive will have the most number of accidents.

**B18C VVTi** · 16-12-2005 01:00 AM

[QUOTE=kousoku]fia is a joke, without competition their is no innovation.

Totally agree dude. No innovation = less cutting edge technology for consumers. But who knows, maybe they'll think about joining A1...

**LUD02C** · 16-12-2005 11:27 AM

With one tyre supplier you won't have the Indy problem again.
I only agree with one tyre supplier because it levels the field.

You don't have Schumacher loosing his lead off a start because the Bridgestones can't warm up as quick as the Michelin's.

I just feel for the teams running Michelins this year, think about it.
Michelin know they are leaving, whatever money they invest is dead money (in a way) so its going to be interesting.