The tiremaker gained a three-year deal to supply all A1GP teams with identical racing slicks for the global open wheel series.

The tire for the series, said A1GP, resulted from close co-operation between A1GP and Michelin engineers. Michelin had been a tire supplier to Formula 1, dropping out of that series at the end of the 2006 campaign

There was no comment by A1GP regarding Cooper’s participation or why it was being replaced. Cooper had been the spec tire for A1GP’s first two seasons.

“We are very pleased to be working with Michelin for the next three seasons," said A1GP general manager of technical and operations John Wickham. "Michelin has a vast amount of experience in motorsport and will enhance the competitive nature of our series. We commenced the test program at the beginning of June and have now specified the most suitable tire compound and construction for our new A1GP Powered by Ferrari car.” (Tire Review/Akron)