Michelin throws in the towel on F1...

[Treibenschnell]

I guess Bernie finally broke Michelin...

LiNKiE to story...

Today, it would appear as though Formula One rules will be modified to impose a single tyre supplier. After consulting with its loyal partners (McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber F1, Renault F1, Honda Racing F1) as well as with Sir Frank Williams, Michelin is now convinced that the evolution towards a single tyre supplier is inevitable.

Michelin has therefore decided not to extend its Formula One involvement beyond the 2006 season.

[tailchaser]

As expected...

The real ugly part of a single tire supplier will arise when Bridgestone grossly misjudges tire applicability to a circuit for the first time in 2007 and doesn't have enough left-over "good tires" to give to everyone. Then we'll have the good old fashioned FIA mandated two tire suppliers...

While we're muttering about F1... Anyone see yesterday's testing report? Nice to see Mr. Karthikeyan running quickly in a real car... He rolled up within .4 of the de-tuned Renault V10 in the Williams V8.