No return from Michelin without change in regulations

Michelin remains widely involved in the major championships such as WRC, WEC, Or the Formula e. But the manufacturer still remains absent from the Formula 1 after his effective withdrawal since the end of the 2006 season.

Supplied by Pirelli since 2011, the discipline has for a time discussed changes regarding tires, starting with a move to 18-inch wheels, more in line with road production. But the 13-inch dimension remained the standard.

Questioned by our Spanish colleagues of AS, Pascal Couasnon, boss of Michelin Motorsport, confesses that the Clermont brand is waiting for movement from the governing bodies of F1, now headed by Liberty Media, before considering a return.

« This is not an option until there is a change in the regulations, indicates the French manager. For us it makes no sense to make tires on a 13 inch wheel which is not seen on road cars. It would be different with 18 inch wheels.

And for 2021 it seems to me that they are focusing on the engine and the budget. The most important thing for us is to have a technological challenge, something we can learn, otherwise we won't invest. »