Sam Michael: “Avon is cheaper”

Within eight to ten days, the tire manufacturer succeeding Bridgestone in Formula 1 should be known. Two competitors face off: on the one hand, Michelin, which has the weight of experience and quality but which wishes to take advantage of its return to F1 to set its requirements; on the other, Avon, supported by Bernie Ecclestone, who has only one year of experience in F1 but who could offer a hefty tire bill. Pirelli, which had shown interest for a while, had targeted the 2012 season more.

Sam Michael, technical director of the team Williams, recognizes that the two companies competing to equip F1 from 2011 are proposing two very different projects. “ Avon is much cheaper, he confided to the BBC. But they have less proven themselves, even if they have already produced many very competitive tires. They are also a big unknown compared to Michelin, because Michelin did it (supply tires in F1) very recently. But there is a significant difference in costs. We are talking about a price three times more expensive to be paid by the stables. »

As part of the Spanish Grand Prix, at the end of next week, the teams will have to agree on the choice of the 2011 manufacturer. On the one hand, the guarantee of prestige and quality, on the other, the assurance of equipping yourself with inexpensive erasers. In these times of cost cutting, Avon could well do well.