Recent reports have swirled the F1 paddock indicating the Michelin are open to a return to Formula 1 in 2014.
The French manufacturer last raced in the sport back in 2006 when they were involved in the famous Michelin vs. Bridgestone tyre war. They have confirmed recently that they are interested in returning to the sport and are open to starting a tyre war with current suppliers Pirelli.
Pirelli returned to F1 in 2011, bringing a new emphasis on multiple pit stops during races and tyre degradation and wear rates. At first this brought dramatic and exciting racing with mixed up strategies but the Italian firm has been criticised this year for their controversial 2013 range of tyres.
After the multiple tyre blow-outs of Silverstone and the recent punctures suffered during second practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, reports on a new tyre supplier entering the sport has resurfaced. Michelin previously denied that they were interested in returning to Formula 1 but their competition boss Pascal Couasnon recently confirmed that they are in talks with the FIA.
Talking about the opening up of discussions with the FIA, led by president Jean Todt, Couasnon told Le Figaro newspaper: "We have sent them the same information as we have to the general public, so our position is known to all."
Michelin had previously said that they would only return to F1 if it could go into competition with a rival, but Couasnon confirmed that they have since dropped that condition: "We have changed one of our conditions. Now, we don't mind becoming the exclusive supplier.
"We are ready for it, as there is quite an interesting technical challenge." However he said that they are still interested in competing against Pirelli - something Paul Hembery said was "farcical" - should they return to the sport: "We have always said that we are interested in competition."
However he denied reports that talks between Michelin and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone were underway: "I was surprised by these reports, but I'm starting to get used to it," Couasnon said.
"Two weeks ago, I read that Michelin planned to hold a press conference, but nothing happened. In formula one, there are always a lot of rumours. "I can confirm that I have not scheduled any meetings with Bernie Ecclestone. If negotiations were to begin, we would hold them with the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone and the teams."
 |
| (c) Octane Photographic |
Pirelli returned to F1 in 2011, bringing a new emphasis on multiple pit stops during races and tyre degradation and wear rates. At first this brought dramatic and exciting racing with mixed up strategies but the Italian firm has been criticised this year for their controversial 2013 range of tyres.
After the multiple tyre blow-outs of Silverstone and the recent punctures suffered during second practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, reports on a new tyre supplier entering the sport has resurfaced. Michelin previously denied that they were interested in returning to Formula 1 but their competition boss Pascal Couasnon recently confirmed that they are in talks with the FIA.
Talking about the opening up of discussions with the FIA, led by president Jean Todt, Couasnon told Le Figaro newspaper: "We have sent them the same information as we have to the general public, so our position is known to all."
Michelin had previously said that they would only return to F1 if it could go into competition with a rival, but Couasnon confirmed that they have since dropped that condition: "We have changed one of our conditions. Now, we don't mind becoming the exclusive supplier.
"We are ready for it, as there is quite an interesting technical challenge." However he said that they are still interested in competing against Pirelli - something Paul Hembery said was "farcical" - should they return to the sport: "We have always said that we are interested in competition."
However he denied reports that talks between Michelin and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone were underway: "I was surprised by these reports, but I'm starting to get used to it," Couasnon said.
"Two weeks ago, I read that Michelin planned to hold a press conference, but nothing happened. In formula one, there are always a lot of rumours. "I can confirm that I have not scheduled any meetings with Bernie Ecclestone. If negotiations were to begin, we would hold them with the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone and the teams."
No comments:
Post a Comment