28/06/2005
NEWS STORY
Michelin boss, Edouard Michelin, has hit out at FIA president, Max Mosley, ahead of tomorrow's meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.
In a letter sent to Mosley, Michelin writes:
"I feel necessary to let you know how discontented I was with both the nature of your contentions - which are based on mere allegations - and the suspicious and inappropriate tone employed.
"Safety is and has always been the first priority for Michelin," he continued. "It will never change its stance on this principle, whether for tyres for competition or any other purpose."
Michelin is also angry at a fax sent by Mosley to Michelin motorsport director Pierre Dupasquier on June 21, and which was subsequently made freely available to the media.
"Such disclosure, which contains erroneous allegations, may have damaging consequences on Michelin's reputation. Will you at least recognise publicly that we have taken a courageous, honest and transparent stance for the safety of the pilots?" asked Michelin.
"I hope you will be fair enough to acknowledge that Michelin, with its seven partner teams, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Formula One Management and two other teams, did the maximum to preserve a true and safe race by proposing a very serious and pragmatic alternative. This is all the opposite of a boycott," he added.
"Contrary to what is alluded in your publicised telefax, there is no reason to worry about the fundamental reliability of Michelin," the letter continued.
"I can confirm that Michelin will be present with safe and competitive tyres at the forthcoming grand prix races."