The French tyre manufacturer Michelin has confirmed that they have made a bid to become the sole supplier to Formula 1 from the 2017 season.
Michelin’s Motorsport Director Pascal Cousanon had revealed the manufacturer were contemplating returning to the sport for the first time since leaving at the end 2006, and has now confirmed they have put in a bid to replace Pirelli.
The French manufacturers are putting in a very different proposal for the type of race tyre it would use should it return to Formula 1, including the introduction of 18-inch rims to replace the current 13-inch currently utilised, as well as longer lasting rubber.
“Yes, we have entered,” revealed Couasnon to Autosport. “The reasoning is we’ve been proposing ideas, talking about Formula 1 and that we are disappointed, especially where it is today tyre-wise.
“If we want to be credible and consistent then you cannot complain or comment if you don’t bring solutions.
“So it has made sense for me to say if we have ideas, then let’s go and propose these ideas, and we’ll see if people are interested or not.
“At least then nobody can say to us, ‘well guys, you are talking, but you are not acting’. Now, we are acting.
“In making a proposal we are trying to change the situation a little. We believe the image of tyres in Formula 1 is not what we would like to do, or makes sense.
“The tyre used as an object you throw away after a few laps, or whatever, is not really something that is good for the tyre industry.
“We say there’s another way to ensure a good show, as we saw over the weekend (at Le Mans), with high-technology tyres lasting with good grip, and you can have a show.”
