Michelin concerned over F1 tyre compliance

French F1 tyre supplier Michelin Motorsport has asked the FIA to delay until 2004 a change to the way its technical inspectors establish the conformity of front tyre tread widths. The governing body had written a letter to all teams stating that, from the Italian GP, it would measure tyre widths to ensure that they are within the 270mm maximum limit at the end of each race, not before the start, which has been the common practice.

Sep 1, 2003, 8:13 AM

It is understood that this new procedure would hurt Michelin more than Japanese rival Bridgestone because the French company has been using the 270mm limit to the maximum. Michelin could be forced to build a completely new construction for Monza, which may jeopardise its teams' chances because there would not be enough time to test it properly before the race on September 14.

A statement from Michelin read: "We can expect some difficulties in the definition since a tyre in its use can be in systematic contact with various 'objects', for example kerbs, which, according to their profile and position, can touch up as far as the middle of the sidewalls." It concludes by saying that the company is open to talks about changing the regulations for next season, but: "It is not realistic to ask for it before the Italian GP."