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Michelin's F1 Tire Development Program Continues

15 May 2000

Michelin's F1 Tire Development Program Continues

                    Positive Progress at First Track Tests

    GREENVILLE, S.C., May 15 Michelin's preparations for its
fast-approaching entry into Formula One in 2001 continue to gather speed with
the completion of its first full-scale track tests at the BMW-owned Miramas
facilities in the South of France.  The work included two four-day sessions in
early April and the first week of May, with Denmark's Tom Kristensen driving
for the Michelin F1 Test Team in a BMW-engined Williams FW21B fitted with the
firm's latest development tires.
    Michelin engineers are extremely pleased with the positive progress made
during each of these sessions, although they are keen to point out that the
conditions of the tests -- choice of location, the engine/chassis package,
objectives, etc. -- mean that no direct comparisons can be made with current
F1 lap times.
    "These first tests have allowed us to confirm the results of all our
computer simulation work carried out at our test center.  So far we have
essentially concentrated on working through a broad selection of compounds and
constructions to provide an initial basis from which to build," explains
Michelin's Manager for Worldwide Competition, Pierre Dupasquier.  "As our
program progresses, we will start to look at specific solutions for individual
circuits."
    Driving the laboratory test car, Tom Kristensen put a variety of tire
combinations to the test in dry conditions before the track was artificially
sprayed to allow Michelin to collect valuable data concerning the performance
of its wet weather rubber.
    "I feel very honored to be the first driver to put Michelin's latest
generation of Formula One tires through their paces," commented Kristensen.
"I am very impressed by the progress already made between the two tests.
Michelin's engineers are very attentive and I have really enjoyed both
sessions."
    Michelin's development team currently is busy at its Clermont-Ferrand base
processing the vast quantity of information acquired in Miramas where more
than 1,000 KM of testing was completed.  The next phase of Michelin's program
will start to fine-tune initial findings at select Grand Prix circuits across
the world.
    Michelin announced in December 1999 that BMW/Williams F1 team (in 2001)
and Toyota, (some time before 2003) will ride on Michelin tires in F1
competition.  Michelin also announced in March 2000 that it will partner with
Jaguar Racing starting with the 2001 F1 season.
    Michelin will make its debut at the first race of the 2001 season, ending
a 16-year absence from the sport.  In 1977, Michelin brought the radial
revolution to F1 with the introduction of the first-ever radial racing tire.
When the company left Formula One competition in 1984, all F1 cars were on
radial tires.  In all, Michelin scored 59 wins, three Drivers' World
Championship titles and two Manufacturer' World Championship titles.