Edit: Do you have a login for Tyrepress? Just asking because the free article snipped that I see does not mention AutoBild at all.
Pirelli’s current Formula One tyre supply agreement expires at the end of 2013, and while the Italian manufacturer would gladly sign up for a further three years a new supplier is not out of the question. And there is at least one senior individual within the sport who would gladly see former supplier Michelin make a comeback.
According to German publication Auto Bild, FIA president Jean Todt is trying to convince his fellow countrymen at Michelin to return to Formula One as tyre supplier. Under such an arrangement Michelin would replace Pirelli, as current rules forbid multiple tyre suppliers – thus denying the likes of Michael Schumacher a renewed “tyre war”.
While Todt hopes to say bonjour to Michelin in 2014, Pirelli is not yet ready to say arrivederci to F1 just yet. The tyre maker’s motorsport director, Paul Hembery, told Auto Bild that “if economic conditions are right, we want to remain (as F1 tyre supplier) in the medium-term. It is my job to ensure this.” Michelin has also previously stated it would only return if multiple tyre suppliers were once again permitted in Formula One, and according to Auto Bild the French company’s stance on the issue has not budged in recent times.
You have to admit though, Pirelli aren't trying to make a fast/durable tyre and then are throwing out the present tyres to the grid. There's a reason why F1 is getting the present tyres and it has nothing to do with incompetence at Pirelli.
The reason Todt may want Michelin is that Pirelli is a pay contract. Michelin might be cheaper.
- I think its incompetence on Pirelli's part that they seem unable to provide normal high degrading tyres, without the other unwanted characteristics such as delaminating, easily hitting the canvas, going off the cliff, not able to get the performance back after pushing hard for a few laps. When I look back in history, the good year was perfect for this. You could push hard, save tyre, push hard again. With Pirelli, push hard aaaaaand youuureeeee fiiiiniiiisssshhheeeeeeeeed. See Sutil.
No Pirelli give F1 the tyres for free. When the tender was out there were other manufacturers who submitted tenders but they said to F1 you have to pay for the tyres and the FIA/teams said no because they previously always have had tyres for free.
Edited by ZooL, 23 March 2013 - 18:33.