Formula 1's tyre choice for next year is now a straight two-way fight between Pirelli and Michelin, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has confirmed.
With teams hoping to make a final decision on 2011 rubber in the next few days, having been unable to commit themselves during a meeting at the Monaco Grand Prix, Domenicali has said that Avon Cooper and Bridgestone have now been discounted.
"No decision has been taken yet," said Domenicali. "I think another week and maybe by next weekend hopefully we will be able to find a solution. There are still only two possibilities - Michelin and Pirelli. I don't see any other option."
Although Pirelli had emerged as a clear favourite over the Monaco GP weekend, Michelin's offer – in both technical and commercial terms – is still attractive enough for teams to be unsure about which direction they want to go in.
Further analysis of the terms over the next few days – with clarification from both manufacturers on certain issues – should help teams make their final call and may yet make Michelin the preferred choice.
Renault team principal Eric Boullier said time was now of the essence to get the matter sorted.
When asked by AUTOSPORT if the matter should be settled by the Turkish Grand Prix, he said: "It has to be, because I think there is a technical issue that if we wait too late then nothing will be ready for next year. It has to be done by Turkey."
News from Formula One in the Formation Lap.
Showing posts with label Michelin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michelin. Show all posts
Monday, 17 May 2010
Monday, 19 April 2010
Teams hoping for swift tyre decision
Formula 1 teams hope to finalise their tyre choice for next season by the Spanish Grand Prix next month, with both Michelin and Cooper Avon interested in supply deals.
As AUTOSPORT revealed last weekend, Cooper Avon has emerged as a surprise late contender to supply tyres for 2010 - with not all outfits happy with the commercial terms currently being offered by Michelin.
Discussions took place between teams and Bernie Ecclestone in Shanghai last week to try and get a deal agreed as soon as possible, because 2011 car designs need to start being worked on soon.
And although no final decision has been taken about the preferred route for next season, several team principals are optimistic that the matter can be resolved in the next few weeks.
Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner told AUTOSPORT: "I think there are two credible options potentially on the table and hopefully in the next few weeks it can be finalised."
When asked whether he favoured the Michelin or Cooper Avon route, Horner said: "I am totally impartial. I think both tyre companies that have been mentioned are more than capable of producing quality tyres and it is important that specification of the tyre, the quantity, the service and all those elements are right for F1. And also the cost implications as well."
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh, who met Ecclestone, said: "I think we are making some progress. We have some options and that is something we have got to work out. I hope it will be sorted by Spain. We will see. At least we look like we are going to have some tyres next year. That is a pretty important one, and we now just have to decide how and where and who they are from."
Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali added: "Of course it is a point of concern for the future of F1 – there is no doubt about that.
"As far as I can say, as you know Michelin has made a proposal that is under evaluation to make sure that it is the best proposal from the technical point of view and the commercial point of view.
"On the other hand I know that there is a possible discussion to have another tyre competitor who can be ready to come for next year, and I think we will know something more, I would say 100 percent, by Barcelona. So by Barcelona the situation of tyres should be almost clear if not defined."
As AUTOSPORT revealed last weekend, Cooper Avon has emerged as a surprise late contender to supply tyres for 2010 - with not all outfits happy with the commercial terms currently being offered by Michelin.
Discussions took place between teams and Bernie Ecclestone in Shanghai last week to try and get a deal agreed as soon as possible, because 2011 car designs need to start being worked on soon.
And although no final decision has been taken about the preferred route for next season, several team principals are optimistic that the matter can be resolved in the next few weeks.
Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner told AUTOSPORT: "I think there are two credible options potentially on the table and hopefully in the next few weeks it can be finalised."
When asked whether he favoured the Michelin or Cooper Avon route, Horner said: "I am totally impartial. I think both tyre companies that have been mentioned are more than capable of producing quality tyres and it is important that specification of the tyre, the quantity, the service and all those elements are right for F1. And also the cost implications as well."
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh, who met Ecclestone, said: "I think we are making some progress. We have some options and that is something we have got to work out. I hope it will be sorted by Spain. We will see. At least we look like we are going to have some tyres next year. That is a pretty important one, and we now just have to decide how and where and who they are from."
Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali added: "Of course it is a point of concern for the future of F1 – there is no doubt about that.
"As far as I can say, as you know Michelin has made a proposal that is under evaluation to make sure that it is the best proposal from the technical point of view and the commercial point of view.
"On the other hand I know that there is a possible discussion to have another tyre competitor who can be ready to come for next year, and I think we will know something more, I would say 100 percent, by Barcelona. So by Barcelona the situation of tyres should be almost clear if not defined."
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