Teams Face Difficult Tyre Choice

The Formula One teams will face a tough job when deciding which tyre compound to choose for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, said Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier after Friday's practice session at Barcelona.

Michelin have taken two tyre compounds to Barcelona, and according to Dupasquier, the choice will depend on the conditions during the race.

"There is not a great deal of difference between our A and B compounds," said Dupasquier. "It won't be an easy choice for teams to make, especially if track conditions continue to change.

"The A tyre is geared towards high performance and durability while the B is slightly softer. Its wear rate was a little higher at the start of the session, but it became better suited to the track as the temperature rose.

"We are using the same front tyre construction that we introduced at Imola two weeks ago, albeit with a different compound that has been designed especially for Barcelona. On the rear there are no major changes apart from in the compound."

The Michelin-shod Jaguar of Eddie Irvine was second fastest on today's session, while team mate Pedro de la Rosa was seventh overall and second quickest of the Michelin runners.