Michelin still committed to F1 exit

The rumours were prompted after McLaren boss Ron Dennis suggested that Michelin could be poised to change its position - just months after the French tyre supplier announced it was withdrawing from F1 because it was not interested in a control-tyre formula.

However, Michelin's Formula One director Nick Shorrock made it clear that the company's position remains unchanged.

"As far as Michelin is concerned we are in the same position we were when we announced the decision to withdraw from F1," he said.

However, with sources claiming that Michelin has not completely ruled out a return to F1 in the future because of the sport's value as a marketing tool, Shorrock did admit that there was a chance of a rethink longer-term.

"If at a point in time we see things are more transparent, and they are going as we believe they should, then we may consider reviewing our position," he said.

Dennis's McLaren team have been with Michelin since 2002 and, although they will be forced to switch to Bridgestone next year, he remains hopeful of renewing his current partnership in the future.

Talking about his future plans, Dennis said: "Bridgestone have opened discussions with us and other teams, but I think there is some indication that Michelin's position may change.

"At the moment we are comfortable with Michelin. They have done a good job and we would love them to continue. I don't think that is beyond the realms of possibility."

Tyre suppliers are forced to give a year's notice on any intention to quit Formula One, so as to give teams and the sport enough time to make alternative plans.