Michelin 2006 F1 communique

Montreal, June 22nd, 2006

MICHELIN WILL NOT REPLY TO THE FIA TENDER FOR TYRE SUPPLY IN FORMULA ONE

Michelin has continually made its belief known that Formula One should, as motorsport's cutting-edge discipline, be an arena where the most advanced technologies can do battle in the interest of motoring.

In this respect, the changes in the Formula One rules to bring in a single-tyre supplier go completely against these principles.  It is one more step towards standardising a sport which should be practised at the highest level of competition.

As a result, Michelin will not reply to the FIA tender for tyre supply in Formula One. It does not wish to be seen to support the spirit of this tender at a time when the quality of its tyres has been amply demonstrated and appreciated by its partners, with a total of 99 Grand Prix wins over the years, under whichever rules have been in place.