Michelin submits F1 tyre proposals

The Clermont Ferrand company has further suggested that between two and four sets of dry-weather tyres would be available for each driver per weekend, in one or two types; that a same-specification 'prime' tyre and a same-specification 'option' tyre would be supplied to all teams; and that only six sets would be available per team for each test day.

Michelin says that such regulations would both reduce cornering speeds and achieve a "very substantial" reduction in costs through the virtual elimination of tyre testing, while improving the racing spectacle without introducing artificial rules. It has taken into account the recommendation for a drastic reduction in testing during the F1 season, which is expected to be adopted by the FIA.

Michelin Sport director Pierre Dupasquier said: "We believe that the FIA's objectives can be met by implementing these proposals. First, to be able to provide tyres that last much longer, we will be obliged to use much harder compounds, which in turn will offer less grip, thus reducing speeds. Second, to seriously reduce costs, testing must be limited. This can be complemented by providing fewer tyres, so the amount of testing would be further reduced. I'm sure there can be a saving in teams' operational costs of over 50 percent. And finally, these 'hard' tyres will leave less rubber on the track, making the 'dirty' line a thing of the past and therefore encouraging overtaking - something everybody around F1 wants."

Michelin Group chairman and CEO Edouard Michelin added: "Our proposals offer a triple benefit: an increase in safety, a reduction in costs, and an improvement to the racing spectacle, particularly by having more overtaking. These proposals therefore both respond positively to the wishes of the FIA and also allow teams the freedom to choose their tyre supplier - a freedom that is at the very heart of the companies involved in F1. Michelin is therefore happy to continue to work with its partners and the F1 Technical Working Group in order to find the best way forward."