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Michelin won't play it too safe in Brazil

Michelin think they cannot afford to be too conservative in next weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, despite Renault's championship situation

With Fernando Alonso only needing one point to claim the drivers' championship, the French car manufacturer are likely to be cautious with their tactics and engine choice for Interlagos.

However, Michelin believe it would be a mistake if they played it too safe in terms of the tyres they take to Brazil.

Michelin's F1 programme director Nick Shorrock said: "Of course, we will not go extremely aggressive, as we did with some of our tyres in Magny-Cours for example.

"But we need to perform well, and we have been talking a lot with Pat Symonds. The tyres will need to be spot on, and if they are not, we will pay a heavy price in laptime."

The Brazilian GP will be Michelin's final race in F1, but the company will have to put all the emotions of the situation behind them to focus on the title battle.

"Psychologically, it will be an important weekend, and a difficult one too," added Shorrock.

"We will certainly be a little more tense, although the result in Suzuka means we are calmer than we would otherwise have been. But anything can still happen, and nothing has been won yet - far from it.

"We will feel a little sad after the race, but we hope that the result will put a smile on our face. In addition to our usual teams, we will be inviting 30 of our personnel who have made a major contribution to Michelin's success in F1."

And Shorrock claims that the tight season-long battle will make any success feel better.

"We should really pay tribute to our competitors, whose teamwork has pushed us like never before," he said. "And Flavio (Briatore) and Pat Symonds have pushed us hard at times too.

"Winning is one thing. But to win after such a hard battle would be even better. We are determined to finish as champions."

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