Michelin questioned over width of front tyres

Based on a protest following the Hungarian Grand Prix, regarding the size of the Michelin front tyres, the FIA has announced that they are going to implement changes to the scrutineering regarding the width of front tyres. This fact has been notified to all ten teams.

It would appear that the front tyres that were checked weer oversized when measured at the end of the race, rather than when the tyres are new. The FIA has warned the teams that if tyres are found to be oversized they may be disqualified.

For Michelin this move may have serious consequences for their two main championship teams WilliamsF1 and McLaren. Such was the feeling regarding this matter that it was even hinted that several teams may not turn up to the next Grand Prix in Italy.

Michael Motorsport Director Pierre Dupasquier said: "It is possible that the five teams using Michelin tyres do not turn up at Monza. Our partners would have to spend a lot of money without guarantee they would not be disqualified. It is up to them to decide.

"We know that we cannot make a new tyre in time because it would take a few weeks to design and build it. It is like saying you have to run a smaller sized engine for Monza, it is impossible to do in the timescale.

"So they have no insurance that their tyres will not be oversized at the end of the next race. The current tyre design was made with the insurance that measurements are made on a new tyre and not a used one.

"It is fine if they say it applies to worn tyres, what is difficult is that it is applied with immediate effect. Building a tyre two millimetres less would not lose anything in performance. I think there is another reason for this."

McLaren have refused to comment, while WilliamsF1 have stated they are "currently reviewing the consequences of the FIA's decision."

If Michelin teams are forced to run with a different front tyre, assuming that Michelin can provide them with a new one, it may have serious consequences for their championship hopes. But this may give the Ferrari team, with their Bridgestone tyres, the means to pull back the performance of their championship rivals WilliamsF1 and McLaren.