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Ecclestone gives the Michelin man a flat

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A massive strategic misjudgment on Michelin's part is rumored to have cost the French manufacturer a chance to displace incumbent Pirelli as the official tyre supplier to Formula 1.

Both companies were in the running to secure the F1 contract from 2017, and many amongst teams and drivers favored a return of Michelin to the helm of motorsport.

But when the FIA gave it the green light to negotiate with FOM a renewal of the rubber supply contract, Michelin apparently made a major strategic error.

Following extensive talks with Bernie Ecclestone, Michelin's representatives had come away feeling particularly confident. However, one key point of discussion had been ineptly avoided by the firm from Clermont-Ferrand.

According to F1 Racing, "Michelin presented their proposal to Ecclestone and said they would discuss commercial terms if and when they were appointed.

Although they were prepared to pay serious money, this is not how Ecclestone does business, which put an immediate end to their bid."

Consequently, the contract will remain with Pirelli following an agreement reached recently between Ecclestone and CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.