Michelin slam single tyre supplier plans

French tyremaker Michelin have hinted they will quit Formula One if the sport's governing body insists on moving to a single supplier from 2008.

Michelin Competition Director Pierre Dupasquier said it would be up to the company's management to decide what to do.

"All I know is that the principle of control tyres (a single supplier) in no way corresponds with the vision of Michelin's directors, and that goes for all the types of motor sport in which Michelin is involved," he said.

Dupasquier said the sort of tyre that would result from a single supplier was "fundamentally contrary to our vision of the tyre" and a single supplier would do nothing to improve the interest of racing.

Michelin are currently battling Bridgestone in F1, with the French company winning every race so far except the US Grand Prix that dented their reputation in June.

Just six racing cars took part in that race at Indianapolis after Michelin advised their seven teams to withdraw because of safety concerns.

Dupasquier said Michelin simply could not accept the proposal to switch to a single supplier, repeated by FIA president Max Mosley in Monza on Friday.

The FIA has argued that ending the 'tyre war' would cut costs, improve safety and ensure a more level playing field for the teams.

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