Dupasquier Critical of Bridgestone

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier has criticised tyre rivals Bridgestone and said their association with Ferrari is not making them stronger.

French supplier Michelin have been beaten in four of the five races this season as Michael Schumacher has powered the Bridgestone-shod Ferrari to victory in Australia, Brazil, San Marino and Spain.

But Dupasquier claimed that Bridgestone are not learning and gaining further ground in the tyre-war because they are taking victory for granted.

"Not at all," Dupasquier said when asked if Bridgestone were gaining because of Ferrari's dominance. "It is a complete mistake - they never understand what they are doing because it is just a result.

"The car is fast, the car is not so fast. They don't know why. If the car is working well it is fine."

Dupasquier added that Michelin's data is shared between the six teams the company supply - McLaren, Williams, Renault, Jaguar, Toyota and Minardi - and claimed it is the best way to move forward.

"We provide all the data they ask for," he added. "We take all the results we have on the car, put them together and get a Michelin understanding of the tyre. Then we supply everybody with this global understanding of the tyre and that helps every team."