According to reports elsewhere, Bridgestone, which will be the sole tyre supplier to F1 in 2007 and beyond, "wants" a red tyre rule in F1 next season.

Basically, the idea is, with only one tyre supplier, the excitement of the 'tyre war' is taken away, consequently thought has been given as to how (public) interest in tyres can be maintained, rather than the common perception that they are merely four bits of rubber on the corners of the cars.

Furthermore, since, outside the specialist media, the tyre manufacturers rarely get the public recognition they deserve for their investment and their achievements, Bridgestone has good reason to believe that its efforts will go unnoticed.

Consequently the 'red tyre' idea has been suggested. If used, this would mean that all teams would have the option of using two different tyre compounds, with fans able to tell which one by means of a red band on the sidewall. A similar system has been used in Champ Cars.

It's thought that the red tyre will add to the public's appreciation of race strategy, much like the excitement derived from pit stops and fuel strategy. Sorry Max.

Talking to Pitpass, a Bridgestone source confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but nothing has been decided.

"Yes, the 'red tyre' proposal is an interesting one, " said the source. "Bridgestone is always keen to help the FIA and teams find ways of reducing costs, increasing safety and increasing the spectacle of F1 for the public and so with this in mind, it is one of the ideas which is being discussed at the moment. However, nothing has yet been decided."