Skip to main content

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Recommended for you

Why Aston Martin is a better destination on the F1 driver market than it seems

Feature
Formula 1
Why Aston Martin is a better destination on the F1 driver market than it seems

What is it like being a Williams F1 simulator driver?

Formula 1
What is it like being a Williams F1 simulator driver?

Marquez expects rivals to risk more in hunt for MotoGP title

MotoGP
British GP
Marquez expects rivals to risk more in hunt for MotoGP title

MotoGP title challenger Bezzecchi pessimistic for British GP

MotoGP
British GP
MotoGP title challenger Bezzecchi pessimistic for British GP

The rising Japanese star with his sights set firmly on IndyCar

Feature
Super Formula
Sugo
The rising Japanese star with his sights set firmly on IndyCar

WRC drivers split on whether Rally Finland was "too fast" after several crashes

WRC
Rally Finland
WRC drivers split on whether Rally Finland was "too fast" after several crashes

Silverstone to continue hosting MotoGP's British GP after new deal

MotoGP
British GP
Silverstone to continue hosting MotoGP's British GP after new deal

Should the algorithms in F1 power units be banned? FIA explains why it won’t work

Formula 1
Should the algorithms in F1 power units be banned? FIA explains why it won’t work

Michelin Boss Supports F1 Revolution Proposal

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier on Friday claimed Formula One has become "non-existent" because of the dominance of World Champions Ferrari -- and backed plans for changes that could finally halt the scarlet Scuderia.

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier on Friday claimed Formula One has become "non-existent" because of the dominance of World Champions Ferrari -- and backed plans for changes that could finally halt the scarlet Scuderia.

FIA boss Max Mosley will discuss radical plans to change engine size, remove driver aids and revert to a single tyre manufacturer by 2008 when he meets team bosses in Monaco in May.

"For Formula One to exist they have to think about changes," said Dupasquier. "At the moment Formula One doesn't exist anymore - it is just ridiculous but we have to accept what Ferrari are doing.

"We will think about the one tyre Formula One, but it is not the case of a decision today. We have until 2008 so a long way to go but we will contribute to the discussions.

"The drivers need a balanced machine to be able to go to the limit and fight with another car. The president of the FIA is concerned about safety and, oh my goodness, they are going too fast now.

"It is his responsibility to decide if it is not safe anymore. Then he has tools available - the engine, chassis, aerodynamics and tyres. He can work on it but must be careful not to make a shitty, undriveable machine."

Despite giving his backing to developments, Dupasquier was quick to defend the sport and insisted more concentration should be placed on the battle behind the dominant Bridgestone-shod Ferraris.

But he admitted that second place is all his Michelin teams can hope for this season as Ferrari's sensational early-season start has left them with a performance gulf too wide to comprehend.

"If you accept what Ferrari are doing, it is okay," he said. "A few teams are level with BAR, Renault and Williams and McLaren, but only the red cars get on television and we need them to concentrate on a true race behind.

"But there is absolutely no way we can think about stopping Ferrari. When you see a car out of the box like that in Melbourne, and the second lap was quicker than the pole of last year, then you cannot stop it. No way."

Previous article Grapevine: News from the Paddock - San Marino GP
Next article Practice 2: Button quickest

Top Comments