This latest success, Michelin’s seventh of the season, is the company’s 41st since returning to the sport in 2001. Around the same time, Michelin made it clear that it would not tender for a single-supplier series.
After an exciting race, the remaining podium places were filled by the Bridgestone-equipped Ferrari of Michael Schumacher (2nd) and the Michelin-shod McLaren of Kimi Raikonnen.
In a statement celebrating the company’s F1 success, a spokesperson described how during its first period of F1 involvement, between 1977 and 1984, Michelin scored 59 wins. Furthermore, all but seven of the 100 wins have been achieved in the face of opposition from at least one other tyre manufacturer.
“Our victory in Canada marks an important occasion for everyone at Michelin,” said Groupe Michelin director Michel Rollier. “Our 130,000 employees were deeply affected by the recent death of Edouard Michelin, and this 100th F1 victory is the finest tribute that our motorsport department and, by association, the entire workforce, could dedicate to his memory.”
Michelin motorsport director FrÉdÉric Henry-Biabaud added: “It is obviously a great landmark to reach a century of Formula One world championship victories, and I would like to pay tribute to all those at Michelin who have contributed to our success over the years.
“Simply making a good tyre is not enough, because if you don’t provide the proper service to your team to exploit its full potential, it is useless. You have to be able to provide your partners with a full package, so that they know exactly how to get the most from the products at their disposal. Whether they are working back at the factory in Clermont-Ferrand or performing on the frontline, at the racetrack, I believe Michelin’s workforce delivers unparalleled back-up – and that is one of our core strengths.”
Michelin’s first win was scored by Carlos Reutemann (Ferrari) in Brazil 1978, while Alain Prost holds the “record” for the most Michelin wins with 16. Current world champion Fernando Alonso could still beat that before Michelin bows out of the Formula One arena at the end of 2006. All 14 of his F1 victories have been scored on Michelin tyres.
