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Michelin questioned the FIA's motives behind the swtich back to allowing tyre changes during races next season.
The rules banning tyre changes during the race were introduced as a cost cutting measure and Michelin are very critical of the latest changes.

This urgent change, without advance notice:
Is incoherent with the cost reduction objectives sought by the FIA President
Is a step backwards in regards to the 2005 regulations presented, at the time, by the FIA solely for cost reduction purposes.

As a result, these new rules will immediately increase tyre development, production and logistics costs by 15% since, contrary to what has been said, the 2005 solutions can by no means be adapted to the new 2006 regulation.

Michelin stated that the new regulations means a completely new tyre

Tyre wear and grip are calculated to ensure an optimum performance for a specific distance. To switch from a tyre designed to run for 350 kms in 2005 to a tyre that can be changed every 100 kms (or less) in 2006 will require tyre manufacturers to design an entirely new generation of tyres and will therefore increase costs

Michelin questioned the hidden motives of the FIA and accused them of lack of transparency and incoherent decision making.

We can only question the meaning behind this decision which negates all of the benefits of Michelin?s research in 2005 to design a tyre capable of running for 350 kms, allowing its partners to win 18 races throughout the year.

Michelin, therefore, questions the FIA's hidden motivations for the 2006 F1 regulation.
Once again, this event illustrates the F1?s problems of incoherent decision-making and lack of transparency.

Full Michelin Statement - 2006 F1 Regulations Thread

The FIA has responded to Michelin's statements over the tyre regulations. The FIA stated their decision was supported by the Formula One Commission and the World Motor Sport Council. The statement also reminded Michelin that they have reverted to the 2004 rules on which Michelin tyres ran without problems at Indianapolis.

The FIA statement however didn't discuss the issue of cost cutting.

Full FIA Statement

While I have sympathy for Michelin about how much that invested in getting the tyres right this year, I'm glad that tyre changes are back. For me car racing is about not just driver ability but watching pit crews change tyres under pressure.

Yeah, and those poor guys standing next to the car during pit stops at the mo look so bored.

rah wrote:Yeah, and those poor guys standing next to the car during pit stops at the mo look so bored.

they probably copped paycuts with the 2005 regs too

The introduction of tyre changing will bring some more exciting racing, as the teams will have to think carefully about strategy's. Pit stops can change the race altogether.

Personally i like the reintrouduction of tyre changes during 2006.

This is crazy!

One year they go to one tyre per race (for cost cutting), the next year they go back to change as you wish and in 2007 it looks like they are going to slicks.

Just crazy but Michelin will beat Bridgestone regardless

The rumours about Goodyear entering F1 are getting stronger and stronger. The Tyre giant has been losing market share to Bridgestone, and Michelin. It has little presence in the Asian market, and is said to be eyeing F1 as a way of rectifying that. With Michelin and Bridgestone said to be bidding to supply tyres for the North American "Nextel Cup" series, Goodyear may simply outbid its rivals for the F1 contract as a way of counterpunching.
Khumo is also said to have plans for F1, which include tossing large amounts of money at a contract bid.

Julian Mayo wrote:The rumours about Goodyear entering F1 are getting stronger and stronger. The Tyre giant has been losing market share to Bridgestone, and Michelin. It has little presence in the Asian market, and is said to be eyeing F1 as a way of rectifying that. With Michelin and Bridgestone said to be bidding to supply tyres for the North American "Nextel Cup" series, Goodyear may simply outbid its rivals for the F1 contract as a way of counterpunching.
Khumo is also said to have plans for F1, which include tossing large amounts of money at a contract bid.

It's worth noting that there has almost no mention about whether Goodyear will remain the sole tire supplier for NASCAR's Nextel Cup series; too many people here in NA(including myself) remember the "tire wars" btwn. Goodyear and Hoosier back in the late 1980's-early 1990's, and they DO NOT want to go through it again. Besides, Goodyear got knocked out of both the IRL and ChampCar by Bridgestone(with Firestone in the IRL and Bridgestone in CC), and they might not want to tangle with them again.

Remove competition and all you get is corruption and that is just what the FIA want it seems. The tyre supplier from next year will be the one that gives the most bribes to Max and co!

JayVee wrote:Remove competition and all you get is corruption and that is just what the FIA want it seems. The tyre supplier from next year will be the one that gives the most bribes to Max and co!

Why is it that few people do more than barely raise an eyebrow when corruption and the FIA are mentioned in the same sentence ?