F1 – Michelin has been applying as tire supplier since 2017

Michelin has presented a proposal to become the official tire supplier of Formula 1 starting from 2017. Today the deadline imposed by the FIA ​​for submitting requests expires and yesterday Michelin submitted its proposal. For the three-year supply, starting from 2017, a head-to-head is therefore announced between Pirelli and Michelin.

Speaking to Autosport, Michelin Motorsport Director Pascal Couasnon said: “Yes, we signed up. The reason is that we are proposing ideas, talking about Formula 1 and we are disappointed, especially with the current tire situation. If we want to be credible and consistent, we cannot complain or comment if we do not bring solutions. So it made sense to me to propose new ideas, then come in and pitch them, and see if people are interested or not. At least no one will be able to tell us that we only chat without acting. Now we are taking action."

Couasnon also confirmed that Michelin's proposal is based on the use of 18-inch wheels, as in Formula E, and longer-lasting tyres.

“These proposals remain, more than ever!” Couasnon reiterated. “With this proposal we try to change the situation a little. We believe that the image of tires in Formula 1 is not the one we would like, or that it makes sense. Used tires as an object to be thrown away after a few rides are not something useful for the tire industry. In our opinion there is another way to ensure a good show, as we saw last weekend at Le Mans, with high-tech tires that last and have good grip, and you can still have a show."

Then the response to Ecclestone who defined Michelin's possible return to F1 as not positive: “Obviously we respect what Bernie wants. I also understand people who say that Pirelli has done a good job, but if you listen to the teams and the riders, not everyone agrees. If the request is to have more pit stops then there are other ways to provoke them, but also with tires that don't degrade as much. Maybe we need to find a solution that respects some guidelines. What is important for us is to be able to propose some ideas. We love F1, but we are convinced that something can be improved. We're not saying we're right, but at least we'd like to contribute to the category and bring some innovation."