Ecclestone: Tyres Issue to be Solved
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said he is absolutely sure that Michelin's tyre dramas will not lead to a mass withdrawal from tomorrow's United States Grand Prix - although he has not ruled out the race result eventually being decided in the courts
Ecclestone is due to hold a meeting with team bosses at Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon to discuss the tyre situation, with Michelin wanting to be allowed to run new specification tyres for Sunday's race after Ralf Schumacher's practice accident.
Michelin's hopes of being allowed to run with those new tyres will depend on unanimous approval from the teams, and permission from the FIA - but Ecclestone is confident that a solution can be found.
"I think they (the Michelin runners) will find a tyre that will work and they will be able to start alright," said Ecclestone in an interview with ITV.
When asked whether he would allow the teams to run with the new tyres, Ecclestone said it was likely but the decision could lead to post-race protests from rival teams.
"I think if they do (run the new tyres), they will be in breach of regulations, that is obvious, but I am sure the stewards will let them run and we will see afterwards what will happen," he explained.
Ecclestone made it clear, however, that he had no doubts there would be a full grid for the start of the race.
"Absolutely," he claimed. "I am 100 percent sure it will happen."
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