Michelin unhappy with new tyre plan

Michelin have dismissed plans for a control tyre in Formula One as “not a satisfactory solution” to escalating costs within the sport.

Reducing the number of tyre suppliers to one – there are currently two with Michelin and Bridgestone – is a key element of FIA president Max Mosley’s proposed rule changes to make Formula One cheaper and more exciting.

But Michelin have reacted with surprise at the suggestion, claiming they were not consulted.

Chairman Edouard Michelin said: “I am surprised by this course of action as, when we entered Formula One in 2001, it was following strong lobbying by certain teams that wanted to benefit from the positive effects of our technology on the performance of their cars.

“What’s more, their requests were supported by the Formula One organisers to heighten the sporting interest.”

Michelin’s return to Formula One had been trumpeted as a possible cause for greater excitement but the French company have yet to win the world title in that time, watching the Bridgestone-supplied Ferrari of Michael Schumacher dominate.

They responded to Mosley’s proposals – which in principle were unanimously agreed by team bosses this week – by issuing a statement at the Spanish Grand Prix.

It read: “Michelin is of course very much in favour of the objective to reduce costs in F1, costs which have increased greatly in recent years.

“Faced with this objective, Michelin believes the single-tyre manufacturer option is not a satisfactory solution.”

Michelin’s stance is the first crack to appear in a united front from Formula One bosses.

Mosley faced surprisingly little opposition at a summit meeting in Monaco this week, although he can expect more earnest discussions when he attempts to pin team bosses down on the fine points of his plans.