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Michelin could offer tyre war as sole supplier if F1 went with them

17:28, 05 Sep 2018

byBobby Vincent

Michelin say they could create a 'tyre war' even as the sole supplier, if Formula One went in that direction and took the 'risk'.

Michelin were last involved in the sport in 2006 and have been keeping tabs on F1 since then.

However, they decided not to get involved in the FIA's tyre tender bid for the 2020-23 period.

The tyre supplier did not wish to produce 13-inch wheels for next season before the planned change to 18-inch designs the year later.

Pascal Couasnon, who is Michelin's motorsport boss, reveals that they are interested in taking a similar approach to MotoGP.

"Is F1 good today? That would be my question," Couasnon asked Autosport. "The sport and the (tyre) manufacturer would have to take a risk, but compared to today (it could be good).

"Look at MotoGP. We bring three types of tyres for the front and the rear, and the riders can choose. You then finish the race with three different combinations on the podium.

"The best compliment we have received from journalists is that Michelin has recreated a tyre war with one brand, and that is what we would love to do for F1.

"Let's not forget endurance racing for example. In GTs, we deliver specific tyres for each car because there is such a difference between a Ferrari, a Porsche, an Aston and a Corvette.

"And nobody complains because we work hard to give the best package possible, so everybody can fight. That is the philosophy we would like to bring to F1."