17/05/2010
NEWS STORY
While no final decision was made this weekend, it is believed that the choice for who supplies tyre to Formula One in 2011 is now a straight 'fight' between Michelin and Pirelli.
With Bridgestone withdrawing from F1 at the end of the season, there is an obvious desire to get a new supplier lined up. That said, until now the negotiations have appeared remarkably slow, especially considering the amount of preparation needed.
While Michelin and Pirelli have long appeared to be the frontrunners, the situation was further completed when Bernie Ecclestone stunned the teams by revealing that he had found another possible supplier, Avon, who would be willing to supply unbranded tyres at a significantly lower cost.
On hearing Ecclestone's proposal, one F1 insider told Pitpass: "It's almost like the old sod had found an old warehouse full of F1 tyres and thought to himself, 'hello, I can make a few quid here'. When he told the teams they could believe it."
Despite claims that Bridgestone might have a change of heart, the Japanese manufacturer is adamant, meaning that the teams must now choose between Pirelli or Michelin.
While Michelin has said that it will only come back if it has a rival, thereby reigniting the tyre wars, Pirelli is keen to be sole supplier.
Both companies have produced good packages in terms of the commercial and technical aspects, however, there remain a number of issues which still need to be resolved.
Teams are now insisting that a deal be agreed by the time of the Turkish Grand Prix later this month.