The demise of Michelin

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Blake

Blake

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haswell00
As expected, many teams are switching from Michelin tyres to Bridgestone. Most noteably, Williams and Toyota have signed (or have expressed interest in signing) with Bridgestone.

So currently, it's looking like this for next year.

Michelin
McLaren
Renault
BAR
BMW
Red Bull

Bridgestone
Ferrari
Toyota
Williams
Midland
Red Bull Team USA

I'm not sure what RBR USA are planning, but I'm just saying Bridgestone because that's where Minardi currently is. It could also be useful for that team to gather Bridgestone tyre data so that the team has more of an idea of which supplier would be best for 2007, and how differently the tyres behave.

A 50/50 split between the tyre manufacturors would be very interesting, each side with 3 competetive teams.

Also, is anyone else suprised that we will have 3 new teams next year?

Blake
 
Everyone went to Michelin a few years back because they felt Bridgestone/Ferrari were a little to cozy and all other teams would play second fiddle to them.

However things have changed this year post Indy. Some teams are concerned about the saftey of Michelin tires and/or how they got jerked around so bad by Michelin at Indy. Thus the switch to Bridgestone.

Also, and I think this is more the case, the FIA recently announced a single make of tire (control tire) for 2008...which will probably be made by Bridgestone (unless another tire maker steps in, which I doubt). So I bet these teams switching are moving now to begin to get alot of data on Bridgestone compunds. THus when the switch happens they will (idealy) have a leg up on the former Michelin teams.

I don't ever remember Bridgestone saying they were going to leave F1 or that they wanted to.
 
pSI civic
one red bull team on one and the other on the other. i dont think thats to popular with either.
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I don't get that either, unless RBR USA will switch to Michelins next season. I can't see either tire manufacturer being happy having one team able to compare and share data on both tires.

I also can't see Ferrari being excited about RBR on Michelins, I would think they would want another team they are close with on Bridgestones....then again I can see Ferrari liking having their "b" team on Michelins and being able to peak at their tire data....

hmmm.
 
I was thinking RBR USA being on bridgstones, as the test dummy for 2007, so the main team would have lots of data on Bridgestones and could build the car around the characteristics of the Bridgestone tyres.

Blake
 
Blake
I was thinking RBR USA being on bridgstones, as the test dummy for 2007, so the main team would have lots of data on Bridgestones and could build the car around the characteristics of the Bridgestone tyres.

Blake
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Makes sense.

Also the RBR USA car will most likely be based on the current "new" Minardi thus keeping the Bridgestones might be a good idea....
 
My dad's friend works at bridgestone. This should be cool.

A 50-50 split is just what the sport needs.
 
kensei
Makes sense.

Also the RBR USA car will most likely be based on the current "new" Minardi thus keeping the Bridgestones might be a good idea....
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Yep, because currently they aren't allowed to share chassis.

Remember, back in the day, when Red Bull sold energy drinks? :lol:

Blake
 
What the hell else do they sell now BESIDES energy drinks?

Sex? Dreams? Air?
 
No, wings :D. watch the ads :sly:

Yeah I think most teams are doing this because of the pruposals from the FIA. And it will definetley make it more competitive.
 
Now all we need is a third tyre manufacture to join the party, how funny would that be..
 

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