Briatore: Red Bull betrayed Michelin

Autosport.com understands that Red Bull Racing were the sole Michelin team to cast a vote in favour of the rule change, along with Ferrari, Toyota, Williams, Midland and Toro Rosso - who are also owned by Red Bull.

Red Bull's vote tipped the balance in favour of introducing tyre changes during the race, after these were banned in 2005 and proved beneficial for the Michelin tyre.

According to sources, Red Bull's vote had taken their rivals by surprise, while the French tyre maker was in fact so angry, the company was investigating the possibility of bringing legal action against Red Bull for a breach of contract.

A Michelin source told autosport.com today the French company had since ironed out the issues with Red Bull. However, Briatore was less conciliatory on the matter.

Speaking at the Renault 2006 car launch in Monaco today, Briatore said his team were in favour of the new knock-out qualifying format that will be used this season but he was not supportive of the tyre changes.

"In terms of a spectacle, we have accepted to change qualifying - normally the ones who win do not want to change anything, but for the sake of the racing, we agreed," the Italian said.

"However, we thought it was good to have one tyre for the race. But somebody betrayed us from within the Michelin family.

"Red Bull voting like that was completely mad. I'm upset and it will be very interesting to see how they will perform this season."

Briatore was nevertheless adamant that the French tyre company, which said it will pull out of Formula One at the end of this season, will continue to do a better job than its Japanese rival.

"We have a lot of confidence in the Michelin team and Mr. Michelin," Briatore said. "It is their last year in F1, they want to win the title, and I have every confidence in them. I am sure we can beat Bridgestone this year."