Michelin: exit won't affect performance

"It won't," Shorrock said when asked how would Michelin's withdrawal affect its development programme throughout the season.

"Everybody remains totally committed - and our advanced research team will be able to focus all its efforts on this year, rather than dividing its time between the present season and longer-term projects."

Michelin announced it will quit Formula One at the end of 2006 because it was unhappy about the move to a single tyre supplier in the sport in 2008.

Shorrock said the company's sporting division understood Michelin's decision.

"Formula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport and Michelin has done a very good job since it returned in 2001, particularly last year," added Shorrock. "It's a pity that we won't be carrying on, but everyone here understands the reasons why.

"Next year, all of the F1 personnel will move on to new, equally challenging roles within Michelin. In the meantime, our motivation is as strong as ever."

The French tyre supplier dominated the 2005 season, winning all but one races and Shorrock is confident they will be able to repeat the feat and leave the sport on top.

"Michelin actively sought more balanced tyre distribution in F1 for 2006 and has achieved that," he said. "It would be exceptional if we were to repeat last season's magnificent results, but being realistic we anticipate that some of our keenest rivals will up their game.

"We don't expect it to be easy, but we are confident that we can win again this season by offering our partners high-performance products that will play a contributory role in their future successes."