Michelin Expect Minardi to Switch to Bridgestone

The Minardi Formula One team are expected to switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres for the coming season, Michelin motorsport head Pierre Dupasquier said today.

"As far as I am aware, Minardi will be with Bridgestone," he said at the track debut of Renault's new R23 car in southern France. "There is nothing between Minardi and us."

Dupasquier added that it would be difficult for Michelin to supply Minardi now as they had not factored them into their plans for the season starting in Australia on March 9.

Minardi's move would be logical as a result of their engine deal with Ford's Cosworth and their decision to limit testing during the season in exchange for two extra hours on Friday mornings at Grand Prix weekends.

Jordan, who also have a Ford engine, have signed up for the Friday option and use Bridgestone tyres and there could be benefits for both teams in using the same equipment.

Minardi, who pay for their tyre supply, will have their first test of the year at Valencia in Spain next week with Briton Justin Wilson and Dutchman Jos Verstappen in the old PS01 car and will need to have agreed a deal by then.

Tyre manufacturers can supply a maximum of six teams and Michelin will be left with five - exactly half of the grid - if Minardi switch to the Japanese brand.