NOVEMBER 2, 2004

Sauber signs with Michelin

The Sauber team has signed a contract with French tyre manufacturer Michelin. This agreement comes into effect immediately, and the team will conduct its first test with Michelin tyres between November 24 and 26 in Barcelona, when Jacques Villeneuve will also be getting his test with the team.

"I'm very pleased that we were able to sign this contract with Michelin and I'm looking forward to a successful co-operation," said Sauber.

The move is interesting because up until now Michelin had never wanted Sauber to be on Michelin rubber while Ferrari runs on Bridgestones. However, it seems that Michelin has now decided that the Swiss team can help it score more results and with the threat of a control tyre hanging over F1, it is a good time to tie up as many teams as possible to get the maximum exposure before any control tyre rules came into force.

"As we demonstrated in 2004, our technology makes a significant contribution to the performance of Formula 1 cars equipped by Michelin," said Michelin's Pierre Dupasquier. "I look forward to enabling Sauber to benefit from this progress."