Michelin won't apply for 2008 tender

The sport's governing body plans to introduce a control tyre after next season, and it opened up a tender process in May to invite manufacturers interested in becoming F1's official tyre supplier.

The deadline for the applications is tomorrow (Friday), and the chosen supplier will be announced on July 5.

Michelin, who had already announced their intention to withdraw from Formula One at the end of this season, said on Thursday they do not intend to join the bid. 

The company had been evaluating whether to apply or not, despite their expected withdrawal from the sport.

The French company once again made their unhappiness about the move to control tyres evident.

"Michelin has continually made its belief known that Formula One should, as motorsport's cutting edge discipline, be an arena where the most advanced technologies can do battle in the interest of motoring," said the company in a statement. 

"In this respect, the changes in the Formula One rules to bring in a single tyre supplier go completely against these principles. It is one more step towards standardising a sport which should be practiced at the highest level of competition.

"As a result, Michelin will not reply to the FIA tender for tyre supply in F1. It does not wish to be seen to support the spirit of this tender at a time when the quality of its tyres has been amply demonstrated and appreciated by its partners, with a total of 99 Grand Prix wins over the years, under whichever rules have been in place."