Urgent reports out of Europe say that Michelin is close to signing a formal tire supply deal with Formula One, even though other reports say that Pirelli plans a full-court press to get a deal at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
German motorsport magazine Auto Motor und Sport claims Michelin is now the favorite after lifting some of its previous demands. Reports have said that Michelin wanted to change wheel diameters from the current 13 inches to 18 inches, and wanted to sell the race tires to teams. Some teams have publicly stated they did not wish to change wheel sizes.
The German magazine said Michelin will get a three-year deal covering the 2001-13 seasons, and each race team would pay 3 million euros annually for its tires. Wheel diameters would not be immediately changed, and Michelin would provide fewer tires per team than is currently done, the magazine said.
Pirelli, meanwhile, is reportedly sending a delegation to Barcelona to meet with F1 officials, with plans to get a tire deal done. It is possible that F1 might go with multiple tire suppliers, which would lower the costs for each tire player and add to the competition.
Cooper Avon, which is still said to be interested, has remained quiet in recent days.
