| It was
previously reported that WilliamsF1 and McLaren team heads met FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting
over the new interpretation of the rules covering the width of their front
tyres. At the same
meeting the FIA gave the OK to the new tyres
that Michelin plans to use at this weekends Italian Grand Prix. The FIA said
the new tyres complied with the regulations.
The FIA issued the following press release:
"During a meeting on Monday with representatives of Michelin and the McLaren
and Williams Formula One teams, the FIA were shown examples of a new
Michelin tyre before and after use. The FIA
technical department has confirmed that it believes these tyres will comply
with the Formula One regulations if used in the same way at Monza.
"A number of press reports have suggested that the FIA has changed or
re-interpreted the tyre regulations. This is not correct. The maximum tread
width has been 270mm since 1999. The FIA has never suggested that tread
width was unlimited once the tyre was in use.
"With hindsight, it is regrettable that those using the earlier Michelin
front tyres did not consult the FIA about possible excess tread width as
soon as they became aware of it. However, as far as the FIA technical
department is concerned, the matter is now closed and the Championship can
continue with all teams on an equal footing."
With the WilliamsF1 team eight points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors'
championship and Juan Pablo Montoya only one point behind Michael Schumacher
in the drivers championship points the use of these new tyres will
play a major part in determining whether or not the WilliamsF1 team can
maintain or take the lead in both the constructors and drivers title fights.
As for how the new Michelin
tyres are performing WilliamsF1 Operations Engineer Sam Michael said that
the new tyre was an improvement.
Michael told Atlas F1: "The new Michelin front mould profile is faster and
more consistent than the old profile. They are a slight improvement. We
expect this to be the same at Indy and Suzuka as well."
But the statement made by the
FIA does seem to leave open the possibility that they could still find the
new tyres illegal. The words "use in the same way" does seem to make their
announcement far from a statement that totally clears the new tyres. |
