2002 a success for Michelin

After the Japanese Grand Prix Dupasquier commented: “Last year we were very much taking our first steps back in F1 and this season we have spent time fine-tuning our working methods and the way we develop our products. The result has been a series of solid, quick and reliable tyre compounds that have served our partner teams well.”

For the Michelin supplied BMW WilliamsF1 Team 2002 would see them score ninety two points, seven pole positions and a one-two win.

Dupasquier spoke of the 2002 season by saying: "We might not have scored as many wins as we did last year, but generally our tyres were much more competitive. We scored 24 podium finishes in all and had at least one driver in the top three at every event. Furthermore, seven of the top nine drivers in the final championship standings ran on Michelin tyres. I have to thank all our partner teams and the factory staff for their brilliant work."

For 2003 Michelin is aware that they will have to improve their tyres even further if they are to compete with their rivals Bridgestone. Having said that Michelin has had to to develop tyres for two teams, McLaren and Williams, compared to Bridgestone developing for only Ferrari thus making the task of winning considerably more difficult.

In regard to future developments he added: “We believe we have identified the areas in which we can make small but significant improvements. When we resume testing in the middle of November, we will already have new compounds and constructions.”

Dupasquier also said: “We have a lot of interesting ideas and we’ll start our development programme immediately. The season may be over, but even now, we’re highly motivated for next season already and are looking forward to driving races again.”

When the BMW WilliamsF1 team commences testing in November with Juan Pablo Montoya, Marc Gené and Antonio Pizzonia, Michelin will be giving these drivers the opportunity to be among the first drivers to drive on the new 2003 Michelin tyres.

Dupasquier concluded by saying: ‘We think we have identified areas where we can make small but significant gains. We’ll be back on track in mid-November with some new compounds and constructions. The season might be over but we are highly motivated about next season and raring to go.’