Be Careful What You Wish For... Michelin One Ups Formula 1
Last week I talked about the new rules or proposed rules for the 2008 Formula 1, and at that time I thought that only one stood a
chance of going through - the single tire manufacturer.
Formula 1, for some reason feels that this is the way to go - to level the field. I'm guessing Michelin agreed with them, as they have announced that 2006 will be their final year in Formula 1 - for the time being.
"This decision is the result of profound differences between Michelin's long-standing sporting philosophy and the way Formula One is managed by the regulating authorities, which no longer provide a clear and sustainable environment to justify long-term investments," commented Mr. Edouard Michelin. "For Michelin, leaving Formula One in no way represents abandoning motorsports, to which the Michelin brand has been committed for 117 years. If F1's ways of functioning were to be significantly modified, Michelin would not hesitate in proposing its services to the different teams once again."
The rough translation is Michelin has seen the writing on the wall, and is not
willing to stay involved until they are told they are no longer needed. Formula 1 wanted a single tire supplier, but not this soon.
So, by giving its 'partners' time to secure deals for 2007, Michelin has essentially beaten Formula 1 at its own game. It has also put Bridgestone - the other supplier - in a much stronger negotiating position for 2007 and beyond.
But, my question is what will this decision do for Michelin teams this year? McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber F1, Renault F1, Honda Racing F1 and Williams may have just kissed their championship hopes for 2006 good bye, or have they?
Most feel that Michelin will not be pouring money into development this year, leaving their teams on their back foot. But, is this really the case? I think not.
Last week I talked about the new rules or proposed rules for the 2008 Formula 1, and at that time I thought that only one stood a
 |
| Formula 1, for some reason, feels that going with one tire manufactureris the way to go - to level the field - but how will such a move affectteams running on the French tire maker's rubber? (Photo: Auto SportPress) |
Formula 1, for some reason feels that this is the way to go - to level the field. I'm guessing Michelin agreed with them, as they have announced that 2006 will be their final year in Formula 1 - for the time being.
"This decision is the result of profound differences between Michelin's long-standing sporting philosophy and the way Formula One is managed by the regulating authorities, which no longer provide a clear and sustainable environment to justify long-term investments," commented Mr. Edouard Michelin. "For Michelin, leaving Formula One in no way represents abandoning motorsports, to which the Michelin brand has been committed for 117 years. If F1's ways of functioning were to be significantly modified, Michelin would not hesitate in proposing its services to the different teams once again."
The rough translation is Michelin has seen the writing on the wall, and is not
 |
| Michelin has seen the writing on the wall, and is not willing to stay involved until they are told they are no longer needed. (Photo: Auto SportPress) |
So, by giving its 'partners' time to secure deals for 2007, Michelin has essentially beaten Formula 1 at its own game. It has also put Bridgestone - the other supplier - in a much stronger negotiating position for 2007 and beyond.
But, my question is what will this decision do for Michelin teams this year? McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber F1, Renault F1, Honda Racing F1 and Williams may have just kissed their championship hopes for 2006 good bye, or have they?
Most feel that Michelin will not be pouring money into development this year, leaving their teams on their back foot. But, is this really the case? I think not.