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F1: Michelin in discussion for Formula 1 return

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM & Bloomberg

French tire manufacturer Michelin is in talks with the FIA about a possible return to formula one.

With Bridgestone pulling out as the sport's official sole supplier at the end of 2010, the French tire marque's Jean-Dominique Senard told Bloomberg that "formal discussions" with the governing body are underway.

Michelin pulled out of F1 at the end of 2006, disgruntled by the FIA's move to impose a single-tire formula by tender.

Michelin would now consider returning even as sole supplier if more emphasis were placed on tire performance, according to Senard.

"We might consider returning but there are some very clear conditions," Senard said in an interview in Paris.

He said the tire rules need changing to "show the performance they can bring, notably in terms of fuel saving and CO2 reductions".

“The major point is to make sure the tires show what they can bring to the automotive industry,” he added.

FIA spokesman Gus Glover said the Paris-based organization had no comment.



photo:WRI2
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada