Michelin not worried by new rules

In 2002 we saw WilliamsF1 and McLaren using a compromise tyre while their main rival Ferrari was able to benefit from a tyre that was well suited to their car.

For Michelin Motorsport Director Pierre Dupasquier the view that, in order to allow for teams to have tyres developed solely for their cars, Michelin will have to increase its commitment is something he dismisses.

Dupasquier re-affirmed Michelin’s stance that “what is good for one is good for another”. This means that Michelin will not be going down the path of developing tyres for the teams that they supply.

Dupasquier said on Jaguar-Racing.com: "We are not worried about the new rule. Of course it gives the tyre manufacturer the opportunity to fine tune the tyre to a particular car's needs, if required, but we still believe that a good Formula One tyre remains a good tyre for everyone.

"Our job is produce tyres suitable for the tracks, temperatures and weather conditions and this has not changed."

For FIA President Max Mosley these new rules will allow Michelin a chance to catch up.

Mosley said: "Michelin has had to make a tyre that was a compromise between McLaren and Williams, but also their other teams. Now they don’t have that constraint. The biggest single factor for performance has always been tyres for the last 40-50 years. They now have more chance of catching up."