Michelin confident about a future in F1

If Nick Shorrock, director of Michelin's competition division, has not lost hope of equipping the Formula 1 of 2011 (see elsewhere), not everyone is as optimistic within the French company. Didier Miraton, one of the group's leaders, confided that he was pessimistic about this candidacy.

Questioned by AFP at Le Mans, as part of the 24 Hours, Didier Miraton, director of research at Michelin, believes that the file is not progressing enough for the French manufacturer's application to be received. “ It's not moving, we're still on the same line, and the deadline for 2011 seems very compromised to me. F1 is a complex organization, with many partners, and everyone needs to agree. We are probably moving at a pace that is too slow compared to next year's deadlines. At the rate things are going, I'm pessimistic for next season. »

Despite everything, changing mentalities in motorsport could lead Formula 1 teams to choose Michelin one day or another. Indeed, the Clermont-Ferrand firm has made respect for the environment its main focus, while maintaining high quality rubber, and hopes to make things happen. “ Michelin tried to contribute to the thinking of F1. We intervened to help, modestly, and it doesn't change », explains Didier Miraton.

If he is pessimistic for 2011, he is not, however, for the following seasons. Because, if Formula 1 hates technical upheavals, mentalities are changing little by little. In a few dozen months, Michelin's proposals could then receive more positive feedback.

Didier Miraton said: very optimistic in the medium term, because minds are changing at an extraordinary pace. All stakeholders, including the competition, are in turmoil, thinking about what will change, and how the competition must be the place to study all of this. »

It is therefore up to F1 to change, because Michelin will remain on the same line as today. “ If the (future) regulations (of F1) are not open, competitive, bringing progress and technological challenges, it is not for Michelin because it is not for sustainable mobility. When there is only one manufacturer, there is no competition, there is no progress, no fun, and interest in the manufacturer is low. »