MICHELIN CELEBRATES F1 SUCCESS ON THE STREETS OF CLERMONT-FERRAND

Clermont-Ferrand, - December 4th, 2006 After an 18-race season that proved to be an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, Fernando  Alonso,  the  Renault  F1  Team  and  Michelin  emerged  with  a  Formula  One world title double in 2006 - the perfect result.

On   December   12   Michelin   will   commemorate   its  2006  FIA  Formula  One  World Championship  success  with  a  special  demonstration  on  the  streets  of  Clermont- Ferrand, the French city that houses the company's headquarters. As part of the celebrations, Heikki Kovalainen - who will step up to race with the world championship-winning Renault F1 Team in 2007 - will drive a Renault R25 in a special city-centre demonstration.

At the heart of the metropolis, the Place de Jaude will bristle with a number of special displays organised by Michelin and the Clermont-Ferrand authorities. And the Avenue Julien, the city's main thoroughfare, will remain closed so that Kovalainen can give his Renault free rein during a spectacular driving exhibition.

Michelin motorsport director Frédéric Henry  -Biabaud says: "It is a genuine pleasure to be  able  to  celebrate  our  two  world  titles  while  putting  on  such  a  spectacle  for  the citizens of Clermont-Ferrand. We will be very happy to welcome Heikki Kovalainen and are immensely grateful to Renault for its participation - an event such as this underlines the  strength  of  the  relationship  the  two  parties  have  enjoyed  during  many  years  of collaboration.  We  can't  wait  to  see  the  city  in  party  mood.  It  really  will  be  a  unique event." said Frédéric Henry   -Biabaud, Michelin Motorsports Director

We would like to invite you to join Michelin at 13:00 on December 12, when we will be celebrating a hugely rewarding season… in most unusual surroundings.