JUNE 3, 2004

F1 tyre companies could work together

Michelin and Bridgestone both want to stay in Formula 1 and are opposed to the plan from the FIA to have a single tyre supplier in the future. The two companies are now trying to discuss a situation which would allow them both to remain in the sport.

Michelin and Bridgestone both want to stay in Formula 1 and are opposed to the plan from the FIA to have a single tyre supplier in the future. The two companies are now trying to discuss a situation which would allow them both to remain in the sport and at the same time bring about the reduction in performance and cost that the FIA is asking for. Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier says that there is the potential for both companies to produce a hard compound tyre which would require minimal development and would slow the cars down but obviously they would have to work together to convince the FIA that development would not get out of control.

At the same time there is pressure from within the tyre companies to be seen to be beating the opposition so there is a need to have some areas where performance can be gained.