Michelin has "submitted a proposal" to become F1's next tire supplier, according to Ian Parkes of AUTOSPORT. With the FIA's deadline for the tender process closing on June 17, Michelin and current supplier Pirelli "appear set to go head to head for the three-year contract" from '17. Michelin Motorsport Dir Pascal Couasnon said, "Yes, we have entered. The reasoning is we've been proposing ideas, talking about Formula 1 and that we are disappointed, especially where it is today tire-wise." Couasnon also confirmed that Michelin's bid is "based on using 18-inch rims, as is currently the case with its supply to Formula E, and longer-lasting rubber." Couasnon: "Those proposals remain, more than ever. In making a proposal, we are trying to change the situation a little. We believe the image of tires in Formula 1 is not what we would like to do, or makes sense." F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone last month said that Michelin's return would "be bad for F1." The 84-year-old said that the French manufacturer would "make a rock-hard tire you could put on in January and take off in December because they don't want to be in a position where they can be criticized." Absent from F1 since the end of '06, Couasnon "feels now is the right time for Michelin to return." He added, "We are not saying we are right, but at least we would like to contribute to the sport" (AUTOSPORT, 6/16). REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported Couasnon said that Michelin "preferred competition but the technological challenge could come from the rules themselves." He said, "When you are not allowed to change tires and refuel at the same time at Le Mans, the teams need tires that can handle several stints. So even without rivals, you're being challenged in a technical way by your clients. That's what we want to do in F1" (REUTERS, 6/17). The BBC's Andrew Benson reported Pirelli is "acting on a brief" from Ecclestone, who "believes fragile tyres and multiple pit stops for each driver in a race provide an exciting spectacle." But there has been "increasing disenchantment with the approach from certain sections of F1's audience." And drivers have "expressed their dissatisfaction that F1 cars are not as challenging as they used to be." Mercedes Technical Dir Paddy Lowe and Ferrari Technical Dir James Allison both said at the last race in Canada that they "did not think 18-inch wheels were the correct direction for F1" (BBC, 6/17).
