FEBRUARY 26, 2002

Michelin heeds FIA warning

MICHELIN is not going to take on the FIA over the question of whether F1 tires should be allowed to have asymmetrical grooves. Michelin designed the tires because it felt they were legal but the FIA challenged the interpretation and Michelin has said that it is not going to fight the federation.

The tires this year will therefore look much the same as those raced last year.

Michelin says it is still discussing the wording of the rules with the FIA and may use the new tires later if the FIA can be convinced that they are acceptable. Rival Bridgestone has made it clear that it believes that Michelin's idea is outside the rules.