Mat Coch writes:

Reports indicate that a 'non-branded' supplier is the preferred option for the Formula One Teams Association, with Avon Cooper being touted as a likely solution.

Current tyre supplier Bridgestone Has announced its intention to withdraw from the sport at the end of the season, leaving the FIA to find a replacement. Bridgestone secured the exclusive contract in 2007 after the governing body put an end to the tyre war in the wake of the farcical 2005 United States Grand Prix, where Michelin-shod cars failed to participate after a string of failures during practice. Michelin failed to submit a tender and left the sport at the end of 2006.

Teams had initially hoped they'd be able to convince Bridgestone to stay in the sport, though they appear to have now admitted defeat and are looking to source another supplier.

Speaking at the weekend, Williams' Adam Parr revealed that FOTA has charged Bernie Ecclestone with identifying and securing a new tyre supplier, admitting that the teams not in favour of Michelin's intention to increase the wheel diameter from 13 inches to 18 inches. Such a change would see larger wheels with lower profile tyres which would change the handling and suspension characteristics of the cars dramatically. It's a move not popular with teams who would be forced to redesign their suspension layouts significantly.

Writing in the Sunday Times, F1 pundit and former driver Martin Brundle claims that Ecclestone is in favour of a non-branded supplier. "Michelin seem ready to step in, but only on their terms. They will charge £3m plus for a more limited tyre supply along with branding on the cars, and crucially, they want to supply product for 18 inch wheel rims, which are more relevant to their road and racing range."

"Bernie Ecclestone and some teams prefer a non-branded and much cheaper option, using a company such as Avon and sticking with the current wheels and tyre diameter."

A British company, Avon has been in business since 1904 and has a long association with motor sport.

It's believed FOTA will meet with Ecclestone as the teams seek to have a supplier identified and signed ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in three weeks.

Speaking ahead of yesterday's Chinese Grand Prix, when asked about the tyre situation, Ecclestone replied; "we're dealing with it". Asked if he had a preferred supplier in mind, he added. "I don't mind".