Tyre manufacturer Michelin is considering a return to Formula One in 2011.
Bridgestone has been the sport’s sole supplier since 2007; Michelin left the sport at the end of the 2006 season after falling out with the FIA, despite the firm having helped Renault to two consecutive world championships.
Michelin’s return is dependant on a number of provisos: it wants to be paid for its supply, it wants to be in competition with another tyre manufacturer and it wants a switch to 18-inch diameter wheel rims from the 13-inch rims currently used to make its F1 tyres more relevant to its road and sports car programmes. It also wants F1 to promote its 'greenness'.
“We are interested in it but it must be right. Who know what will happen," a Michelin spokesman told Racing Engineering. "Certain things have to be done, we must have competition, and we do not want to be the only supplier."
“Also we need to be able to use the opportunity of competition to improve our tyre technology. For example, our new Pilot 3 road tyres had technology developed for Le Mans in them.
“We need this from Formula One. Finally it must have the possibility to improve the greenness."
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Re: Michelin ponders F1 return
Blimey! Pass the FIA the smelling salts! Someone trying to say on what terms they will join the F1 circus instead of saying "Please sir can we join and here`s loads of money". Good for Michelin.