Michelin is reportedly close to returning to Formula One, albeit not as a standard tire supplier.
Although the news remains unconfirmed, Autosport reported that the French tire manufacturer is in “advanced negotiations with FIA about the terms of a return for the first time since it quit at the end of 2006.” A formal announcement confirming Michelin’s role is expected this month, according to the reports.
Normally the sport requires that standard tire suppliers go through an official FIA tender process however in this case, says Autosport, the governing body may allow “any qualified manufacturer in.” According to the reports, a potential Michelin return could see Bibendum compete against tire manufacturers such as Hankook and Kumho, which have also been linked with a possible move into F1.
Various rumors say that two key sticking points are that Michelin wants to be paid between 2 and 5 million euros per team it supplies and wants free on-track advertising at each F1 event. In addition, Michelin wants FIA to increase the series’ prescribed wheel diameter from its current 13 inches to 18 inches to be more in line with other motorsport tires it produces.
Earlier this month, Michelin managing partner Jean-Dominique Senard told Bloomberg the French company would consider returning to F1 if the sport could prove its environmental credentials. "We might consider returning but there are some very clear conditions," Autosport quoted him as saying. (Tyres & Accessories)
