22/06/2006
NEWS STORY
Michelin has announced that it will not be making an application to become the sole (control) tyre supplier in 2008.
A statement issued by the French manufacturer read:
"Michelin has continually made its belief known that Formula One should, as motorsport's cutting-edge discipline, be an arena where the most advanced technologies can do battle in the interest of motoring.
In this respect, the changes in the Formula One rules to bring in a single-tyre supplier go completely against these principles. It is one more step towards standardising a sport which should be practised at the highest level of competition.
As a result, Michelin will not reply to the FIA tender for tyre supply in Formula One. It does not wish to be seen to support the spirit of this tender at a time when the quality of its tyres has been amply demonstrated and appreciated by its partners, with a total of 99 Grand Prix wins over the years, under whichever rules have been in place."
The deadline for applications is tomorrow (June 23), with the chosen supplier due to be announced in the first week of July.