Bridgestone – no comment on Michelin, tyre war rumours

Bridgestone spokesman Andy Stobart on Friday declined to comment on reports former rival Michelin could be about to return to F1, perhaps amid a new ‘tyre war’ situation.

Bridgestone, currently F1’s official sole supplier, has indicated it is pulling out of the sport at the end of 2010.

A spokesman for Michelin, the French marque that pulled out at the end of 2006 unhappy with the FIA’s plans for a control supplier, said recently a return to F1 was being discussed “but there are some very clear conditions”.

We reported in January that Korean tyre makers Kumho and Hankook may be interested in racing in F1.

Asked about the situation during Friday’s opening practice in Malaysia, Bridgestone’s Stobart told BBC radio: “It’s too early to comment on it.”

© RIF|GMM