Grapevine: Pollock Denies Michelin Speculation

Craig Pollock, managing director of British American Racing, has said that his team have had no discussions with tyre supplier Michelin. Paddock rumours suggested that the Brackley-based team would switch from Bridgestone rubbers to Michelin tyres for 2002, but Pollock has said that talks have not taken place.

"We have not negotiated with Michelin this year," Pollock said. "We have had very little contact apart from the odd 'hello' in the paddock.

"We have a contract with Bridgestone and we are fighting hard to make sure that contract is a good contract and we're getting the good tyres."

Pollock added that a decision on any possible partnership with Michelin would be made in the next five races, although he described their performance so far as "not good".

"I think that Michelin have done a very impressive job, but we're very early on in the season and we need to analyse the whole situation," he added.

"It is too early to say. They look good but with one team (Williams), but not with the other teams. It is a question of putting all the facts on paper and analysing it.

"It's not just one team that has Michelin, they've got five or six teams and they're not doing that good. We are going to try and create certainty within the next four or five races."