Tyre Manufactures Oppose Single-Spec Proposal

Formula One tyre manufacturers Bridgestone and Michelin are opposing the introduction of a proposed new rule - aimed at reducing costs - that would allow teams to use only one specification tyre during a Grand Prix.

Currently, both Michelin and Bridgestone usually provide the teams with two different specifications to choose from at each Grand Prix. But Hiroshi Yasukawa, Bridgestone's director of motorsport, claimed the new rule could spoil the races.

"I think we have to consider the safety issues, cost issues and the image of Formula One," said Yasukawa. "If you want to change specification down to one, we are very pleased cost-wise, we can reduce things in our costs.

"Now with things like these new corners (at the Nurburgring) and the new course at Hockenheim, and for the future, perhaps we are going to a new course, in this case we don't have any spare tyres, this is a bit risky and we have to avoid spoiling the Formula One race."

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier was also against the idea, saying that the wrong tyre choice would mean a team would struggle during the race.

"The risk is if you screw up with your tyre selection, then you have no race at all," added Dupasquier. "There is no back up, no nothing. Safety wise, if we were to have to change three or four times, that's alright, we would get through the race, but it would be ridiculous, and sometimes we would be stuffed after five or ten laps because if you get 40-42 degrees instead of 18 or 20 that were expected, then you are in trouble.

"Also, development wise, we like to develop our knowledge. If we are trapped with only one tyre, it is less development, you just gamble. We understand the target, but we don't like it too much."