Cruel tyre regulations on F1 wheel sizes force teams to use 13-inch wheels; it is significantly smaller than those seen in other racing series. Michelin director Pascal Couasnon told Le Figaro Michelin would favour to use 18-inch wheel rims if it come back to F1.
1977 season Michelin joined in Formula One, and also they are initially introduced radial tyre technology to F1, 1984 Michelin exit from the sport. The French tyre manufacturer returned to Formula One in 2001, supplying the Williams, Jaguar, Benetton (renamed Renault in 2002), Prost and Minardi teams.
Toyota joined F1 in 2002 with Michelin tyres, and McLaren also signed up with the company. Following the tragedy of the 2005 United States Grand Prix they are leave from the sport at the end of 2006 season.
Crucial tyre controversy in Formula One
Following the debacle of the 2005 United States Grand Prix where, because of safety concerns, Michelin would not allow the teams it supplies to race, Michelin's share price fell by 2.5% (though it recovered later the same day). On 28 June, Michelin announced that it would offer compensation to all race fans who had bought tickets for the Grand Prix.
The company committed to refunding the price of all tickets for the race. Additionally, it announced that it would provide 20,000 complimentary tickets for the 2006 race to spectators who had attended the 2005 event.
Michelin director Pascal Couasnon
“We have always said that the presence of a competitor interests us, however we have evolved our thinking on this and now the absence of a competitor, which would have been a problem in the past, isn’t any longer. Today we are ready to go in alone, as long as there is a technical challenge, even as a single tyre supplier.”
If Pirelli disappear from sport, they must be face big loss
Formula 1 need replace Pirelli? Michelin wants rapid tyre production for 2014. But Pirelli already do wide-ranging of developments for 2014 season, which may go to waste if F1 turns its back on them and hold Michelin.
“We are working towards 2014 and are spending a lot of money for 2014,” said Pirelli motorsport boss Paul Hembery in Spa.
“We have contracts in place and hope people will want to adhere to them. It’s a bit farcical really; it’s September in a week’s time. We are obviously working for next year with the teams who are on board and the promoter on board. So you have to assume that it’s going to be okay.”
