Michelin slams 'incoherent' rule changes

"Michelin is perplexed by the step backwards of the FIA's F1 regulation for 2006, felt to be incoherent with the FIA's proclaimed policy to reduce costs," said the French manufacturer in a statement.

The FIA approved last Wednesday the return of tyre changes for next season, as well as using a sole tyre supplier from 2007.

"This urgent change, without advance notice is incoherent with the cost reduction objectives sought by the FIA President... is a step backwards in regards to the 2005 regulations presented, at the time, by the FIA solely for cost reduction purposes," added Michelin.

"As a result, these new rules will immediately increase tyre development, production and logistics costs by 15% since, contrary to what has been said, the 2005 solutions can by no means be adapted to the new 2006 regulation.

"This decision reveals a lack of technical understanding of the product and of what a tyre really is. In fact, tyre wear and grip are calculated to ensure an optimum performance for a specific distance.

"To switch from a tyre designed to run for 350 kms in 2005 to a tyre that can be changed every 100 kms (or less) in 2006 will require tyre manufacturers to design an entirely new generation of tyres and will therefore increase costs."

Michelin also suggested there is an agenda behind the FIA's decision to change the rules again.

"As many have said and written in the past few weeks, we can only question the meaning behind this decision which negates all of the benefits of Michelin's research in 2005 to design a tyre capable of running for 350 kms, allowing its partners to win 18 races throughout the year," the French company said.

"Michelin, therefore, questions the FIA's hidden motivations for the 2006 F1 regulation. Once again, this event illustrates the F1's problems of incoherent decision-making and lack of transparency.

"In light of this situation, Michelin would like to thank its partner teams who did everything possible, unfortunately in vain, to inhibit a last minute new regulation returning, in fact, to previous regulations."

Before the decision by the sport's ruling body on Wednesday, which might come into effect in 2007, the French company had said it would not want to continue if it was the only supplier.

Renault, supplied by Michelin, won the drivers' and constructors' titles in 2005. Michelin will work with five teams next season - Renault, McLaren, Honda, BMW and Red Bull.

Michelin, which also supplied title rival McLaren, was damaged by a fiasco at the U.S. Grand Prix when it said its tyres might not be safe and all seven Michelin-supplied teams withdrew at the start of the race.