27/07/2005
NEWS STORY
Just one week after Michelin proposed that there should be a better balance between the two tyre manufacturers that currently supply F1, rival Bridgestone has admitted that as many as five teams have approached the Japanese company.
According to Reuters, a Bridgestone spokeswoman said that such approaches were to be expected at this time of the year, as teams begin planning for next season.
"We weren't surprised to read the Michelin statement," said the spokeswoman, "but the facts are that we have been approached by five non-Bridgestone teams. If we do secure further teams it will be on the basis of mutually agreeable commercial terms."
Although Michelin is certainly the tyre to have in 2005, the recent announcement will no doubt have prompted some teams to start considering a switch to Bridgestone, which currently supplies just three teams.
Having secured an engine deal with Ferrari, it's widely assumed that Red Bull might jump ship, though there is sure to be speculation as to the identity of the other four teams.
The French manufacturer is still attempting to rebuild its image, which suffered greatly as a result of the Indianapolis debacle.