11 September: THE FORMULA 1 REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE IN 2008 SHOULD ALLOW FOR COMPETITION BETWEEN SEVERAL TIRE MAKERS
As they stand, the proposed Formula 1 regulations
which have been submitted by the FIA at the FIA’s World Council deny teams any kind of choice of tire supplier from 2008.
From
our point of view, this proposal from the FIA:
Is in contradiction with the spirit of racing and the very essence of the
values of competition
Is contrary to the spectators’ and TV audiences’ interests
Is not the only way of
reducing costs
Does not guarantee fair treatment of all teams
We have proposed cost-reducing solutions and
are open to any and all related discussions.
Accordingly, if the FIA policy is not changed within the next few weeks and should
the control tyre principle be passed by the FIA World Council, Michelin would be forced to question its involvement in Formula 1 in
2008.
Michelin could even reconsider its participation in 2007 given that, out of respect for its partners and under current F1
rules, Michelin will continue to supply tires to its partner teams in 2006. 2007 would, therefore, quickly illustrate the
consequences of the FIA’s policies.
