Grapevine: Michelin Tyres Could Spark Row in Australia
A new row concerning the tyres used at next week's Australian Grand Prix could be sparked after reports that French tyre manufacturer Michelin could be using illegal rubber.
A new row concerning the tyres used at next week's Australian Grand Prix could be sparked after reports that French tyre manufacturer Michelin could be using illegal rubber.
Michelin, who will supply to six Formula One teams in the 2002 season, are believed to have developed a tyre with asymmetrical grooves to be used in the season opening Grand Prix on March 3.
The technical regulations say that the tyres must have four grooves, positioned symmetrically on either side of the tyre.
FIA president Max Mosley said that those tyres would be illegal and revealed that they have warned the manufacturer about it, although some believe that Michelin could still use them, as they believe they are not breaking the rules.
"There is supposed to be a new tyre, with asymmetric grooves which is not allowed," Mosley told Autosport magazine. "The grooves have to be uniform, which we think means they have to be same whichever way you look at them.
"We have told the people concerned it's illegal and I hope they won't turn up with it in Melbourne."
Share Or Save This Story
How Rally Portugal served up WRC redemption for Neuville
Hall at the British Hillclimb summit after incredibly close early rounds
Norman conquers England in Armed Forces opener at Silverstone 750MC event
The F1 drivers to take on the Nurburgring 24 Hours before Verstappen
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments