21/10/2004
NEWS STORY
At a time when FIA president Max Mosley wants to see less tyre manufacturers in F1, the Korean manufacturer Kumho has revealed that it intends developing a Formula One tyre in preparation for its entry in 2007.
The company's US president, Kyu S Cho has revealed that the company is to prepare a feasibility study to decide whether a move into F1 is possible, and indeed, worthwhile.
"We will invest several millions dollars just to develop the tyre," said Cho, announcing the venture. "It will require an even bigger investment to provide engineering support, logistics and service to F1 teams. We are looking at the pros and cons of getting involved with the series."
Kumho, is already involved in motorsport, enjoying particular success in F3 and GT racing, however, a move into F1 is seen as the best way to put the company 'on the map'.
The tyre war - between Michelin and Bridgestone - has seen lap speeds and costs rise dramatically, and consequently Mosley is keen to see F1 return to a one-make series, better still 'control tyres'. The news that another manufacturer is contemplating entering F1 is unlikely to be well received at this time.
The company expects to be testing with an F1 team in 2006, ahead of a full entry to F1 in 2007.