Michelin does not rule out a return to F1

Although Pirelli has an exclusivity contract for supplying tires in Formula One until the end of 2013, Nick Shorrock, head of competition at Michelin, states that the Bibendum has not abandoned all intentions of returning to the premier category of motorsports: « We are closely monitoring the evolution of FIA regulations,” reports the Italian news agency AGI.

After withdrawing from the championship in 2006, Michelin was one of Pirelli’s main competitors in the battle to succeed Bridgestone and was advocating for a return to competition among manufacturers, as recalled by Nick Shorrock in AUTOhebdo, following the FIA’s decision not to select the Clermont-Ferrand manufacturer: « Michelin’s policy is clear: competition is one of our priorities if it meets the four main values we uphold: competition among various manufacturers, respect for the environment, showcasing our technology, and the role tires play in the spectacle offered by motorsport. The conditions were not met for a presence in F1 for the 2011-2013 horizon. »

While Pirelli has not ruled out the possibility of extending its supply contract beyond 2013, its French competitor does not abandon its ambitions in Formula One: “We hope for an opening to more manufacturers, because only competition can improve the competition. If the regulation changes in this direction, we will consider the possibility of a return,” explains Shorrock.

The task is not easy, however. Pirelli’s return to Formula One coincides with a noticeable improvement in the on-track spectacle, in which the Milanese manufacturer has played a part, a situation that hasn’t escaped Bernie Ecclestone: “People want to see races, and so far, they have been magnificent,” the Briton states before adding that “the true winner of the world championship is Pirelli.”

For its part, Pirelli does not wish to comment on a potential competitive bidding process for the moment, but last June, in an interview with *Spox.com*, Paul Hembery, director of Pirelli Motorsport, gave an insight into his position on the matter: « At Pirelli, we love competition, but it’s not an issue that’s on the table yet. We are in Formula One to serve the teams, and currently, there are no other suppliers. It would mean revisiting development and that would cost money. It’s money that, in the current economic climate, nobody wants to spend. Maybe that will change in the future, but for now, we are only meeting the needs of our clients. »

Did you know?

On the occasion of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, held on October 8th and 9th at the Suzuka circuit, Pirelli will celebrate its 215th participation in a Grand Prix, equaling Michelin. At the South Korean Grand Prix, the Italian manufacturer will thus become the 3rd most experienced manufacturer in F1, behind Goodyear (493 starts) and Bridgestone (244 starts).