F1 to Seek Bids for Sole Rights from Tyre Makers

Formula One's governing body plans to invite all the world's major tyre makers to tender for exclusive rights to supply the Championship from 2006.

Japan's Bridgestone and French rivals Michelin are currently engaged in a fierce tyre war, with top teams spending more time in testing than on the race track as they seek to develop a competitive edge.

International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley said after discussing far-reaching changes with team bosses on Tuesday that there had been unanimous acceptance of his proposal to have a sole tyre provider.

Formula One has had sole suppliers in the past, most recently with Bridgestone in 1999 and 2000 after Goodyear withdrew. Mosley said this could happen as early as 2006, with the current suppliers given a year's notice.

"We will issue an invitation to tender to every significant tyre manufacturer worldwide and we'll then take the best offer," the Briton told a news conference.

The list of past Formula One tyre suppliers includes Dunlop, Pirelli, Firestone and Continental.