Prost in Centre of Tyre Battle

Prost Grand Prix have found themselves in the middle of the tyre war between Bridgestone and Michelin before the 2001 season has started, due to links with both companies.

The Prost team are set to use Michelin tyres when the tyre company returns to Formula One next season, however Prost's recent deal to use Ferrari engines next season is likely to cause problems. Ferrari are contracted to Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone for 2001.

"It's a big worry," said Michelin Motorsport's communications manager Andy Pope. "Obviously, Ferrari might have access to information that we would rather they didn't have but there's very little we can do about it.

"As the newcomers, we are obliged to supply up to 60 per cent of the grid and, now that Bridgestone have signed up six teams, they appear unwilling to take on any more. There is seems likely we will be supplying Prost next year."

Bridgestone are currently set to supply six teams, and have said that they will not supply Prost if the deal with Michelin fails.

"We are not looking to supply any more teams," Bridgestone spokeswoman Melanie Holmes said. "We already have contracts with Ferrari, McLaren, Sauber, Arrows, BAR and Jordan, and that was what we were aiming for."