Ferrari come clean over tyre tip-off

MOTOR sport chiefs yesterday confirmed that it was Ferrari which tipped them off over the tyre dispute which has rocked Formula One.

The FIA, the sport’s governing body, has moved to clarify its position over the width of Michelin’s front tyres in a dispute which could have a major bearing on the destination of the drivers’ crown. Ferrari, which uses Bridgestone tyres, believes Michelin-shod rivals Williams-BMW and McLaren-Mercedes have been gaining a performance advantage from the rubber.

“As Ferrari have confirmed it was they who pointed out to the FIA Technical Delegate (Charlie Whiting) that tyres which had a tread width of 270mm when new, appeared to be using a greater tread width when in use,” an FIA statement said.