Michelin still eyes F1 return, insists on 18-inch rim move

Michelin does not rule out bidding again to return to Formula One, but the French tyre manufacturer insists that the decision hinges on the FIA moving the sport to 18-inch wheel rims.

Michelin challenged Pirelli by entering last year’s tender process to become F1’s sole supplier for 2017-19. Both tyre candidates received the green light from the FIA after meeting the governing body's requirements.

But while a majority of F1 teams reportedly leant towards Michelin, commercial rights supremo Bernie Ecclestone eventually elected to carry on with the incumbent, which had offered to retain the current 13-inch spec.

Speaking to Autosport, Michelin motorsport director Pascal Couasnon explains why the Clermont-Ferrand company remains keen to return to the sport.

“We are still interested [in F1]. We are not changing our position. But that may change if the series does not make sense anymore.

“If we can be relying on the spirit of a race which is a good mix of show and technology and we can demonstrate our knowhow, that's fine.

“[But] they would have to move to 18-inch. We believe one day or the other Formula One will have to move anyway.

“If you want to transfer technology from the track to the street, you need some similarity between the products.”

Michelin last competed in F1 in 2006, helping Renault and Fernando Alonso to a second Drivers/Constructors’ double championship wins that year.

Feature: what can we see at the front of an F1 car?

Feature: How to fuel success in F1

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Ferrari and Mercedes admit to plank changes based on FIA’s TD

Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…

29 mins ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton continues on top in second practice

Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las…

1 hour ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas,…

1 hour ago

Leclerc confident Ferrari ‘has a shot’ at F1 Constructors’ title

Charles Leclerc believes that Ferrari has a genuine “shot” at beating rival McLaren to Formula…

2 hours ago

Komatsu: F1 teams united against Audi 2026 cost-cap offset

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that nine Formula 1 teams stand in opposition…

4 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in trouble-free FP1

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell led the field in a chilly but trouble-free first practice…

5 hours ago