Michelin Reportedly Interested In Returning To F1 Beginning With '14 Season

Michelin’s "interest in returning to F1 is genuine," according to sources cited by Adam Cooper of SPEEDTV.com. While it has "long been assumed that Pirelli will remain as sole supplier in 2014, and has made commercial arrangements with both teams and [F1 CEO] Bernie Ecclestone, the bottom line is that it has not yet signed a deal with the FIA." It is believed that Michelin’s "formal interest would trigger a tender, and that the FIA will go through the motions of asking all possible suppliers if they are interested before considering the offers from those who are." It remains to be seen "whether Michelin could really be ready in time" for '14, and the other key issue is that Ecclestone is "close to Pirelli and is more than happy with the lucrative ongoing commercial deal that he has with the Italian company." Meanwhile, it is "no secret" that FIA President Jean Todt "is close to Michelin" (SPEEDTV.com, 7/29).