Cooper Avon have confirmed that they are interested in entering the Formula One arena and supplying the sport with tyres in 2011.

The announcement follows days of speculation that the tyres company is joining Michelin as one of two possible candidates to replace Bridgestone at the end of the 2010 season.

Cooper Avon confirmed: “As a major motorsport tyre manufacturer, Cooper Tyre, through its Avon Tyres Motorsport operation, has been approached to supply Formula 1. The company is in discussion with the relevant parties and cannot comment further at this stage.”

With the departure of the Japanese tyre supplier at the end of 2009, F1 is looking for a new manufacturer. It seems FOTA have in principle agreed to Michelin’s demands, which involve the introduction of an 18-inch wheel, rather than the current 13-inches.

However, the Michelin contract includes payment from each team, something the smaller teams are not happy about and neither, apparently, is commerical rights holder, Bernie Ecclestone.

It’s thought Ecclestone is backing the supply contract from Cooper Avon, rather than ex-supplier, Michelin, despite telling the BBC that he didn’t mind which company succeeded.

“We’re trying to make an agreement. I don’t mind [which company] as long as the teams are happy.”

Alex Kapadia, Operations Team

By Alex Kapadia

Formula One teams are hoping that a decision will be made about who will be supplying their tyres for next season before they reach the Spanish Grand Prix.

A giant question mark has been hanging over the issue for months, ever since sole tyres supplier Bridgestone announced they were pulling out of the sport when their contract expires at the end of the 2010 season.

Michelin have confirmed they are interested in returning to the world of F1, but have several conditions which would have to be met.

And at the end of last week AUTOSPORT revealed that Cooper Avon were throwing their hat in to the ring at the last minute as surprise contenders to supply tyres to the teams.

Now AUTOSPORT have revealed that several team bosses are optimistic that a deal can be agreed before the Spanish Grand Prix.

Discussions took place between teams and Bernie Ecclestone in Shanghai last week to try and get a deal agreed as soon as possible, because 2011 car designs need to start being worked on soon.

Red Bull Racing’s Christian Horner told AUTOSPORT: “I think there are two credible options potentially on the table and hopefully in the next few weeks it can be finalised.”

However, he would not be drawn on whether he preferred the Michelin or Cooper Avon option. “I am totally impartial,” he said: “I think both tyre companies that have been mentioned are more than capable of producing quality tyres and it is important that specification of the tyre, the quantity, the service and all those elements are right for F1. And also the cost implications as well.”

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh added: “I think we are making some progress. We have some options and that is something we have got to work out. I hope it will be sorted by Spain. We will see. At least we look like we are going to have some tyres next year. That is a pretty important one, and we now just have to decide how and where and who they are from.”

And Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali confirmed: “Of course it is a point of concern for the future of F1 – there is no doubt about that.

“As far as I can say, as you know Michelin has made a proposal that is under evaluation to make sure that it is the best proposal from the technical point of view and the commercial point of view.

“On the other hand I know that there is a possible discussion to have another tyre competitor who can be ready to come for next year, and I think we will know something more, I would say 100 percent, by Barcelona. So by Barcelona the situation of tyres should be almost clear if not defined.”

If you thought all the Formula One action was taking place on the Shanghai circuit today, then listen up.

The latest rumour doing the rounds in the paddock is that Cooper Avon tyres has emerged as a surprise late contender to supply tyres for the sport next season, according to Autosport.

This is despite the teams having agreed in principle a deal with Michelin!

Apparently, after weeks of discussions between F1 teams and the French tyre manufacturer, well-placed sources have revealed that an official offer for a 2011 deal has now been proposed in writing to the Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA).

Autosport reports: “While what is proposed is believed to have the support of every team, the move still needs ratification from the FIA and F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone before it can be put into practice.

“However, despite the teams being keen on the Michelin plans - which will include a switch to 18-inch wheels – sources claim that Bernie Ecclestone is not in favour of such a move, and is instead believed to be keen on a different tyre manufacturer getting involved.”

High level, behind-the-scenes meetings are expected to be going on today to try and sort out the situation – with Ecclestone having not yet informed teams what his own preferred route for 2011 is.

A source told AUTOSPORT: “We want to know by the Spanish Grand Prix what tyres we are running in 2011. That is why we plan to meet with Ecclestone on Sunday to see what his idea is.”

Sources suggest that Ecclestone is pushing for a deal with Cooper Avon. It is possible that the tyre manufacturer could use former Bridgestone personnel to help service the tyres and ensure it is operating at a level that will satisfy F1 teams.

Alex Kapadia, Operations Team

Cooper tyres are looking forward to the start of an exciting 2010 race season which kicks off on Easter weekend.

The US tyres company is the sole tyre supplier and title sponsor of the UK’s premier single-seater racing championship the Formula 3 Series, which kicks off at Oulton Park on Saturday 3rd April.

Cooper’s title sponsorship deal has helped to promote the brand across Europe, as the series includes rounds at circuits including the legendary Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Hockenheim in Germany.

Julian Baldwin, managing director of Cooper Tyre Europe, said: “Last year was a great season but this year is looking to be even more exciting. “Alguersuari and Ricciardo have both proved that British F3 is still the perfect springboard to F1 and we are extremely proud to support the series.”

The Formula 3 series has produced champions and future Formula 1 stars such as David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Mika Hakkinen and Ayrton Senna.

Alex Kapadia, Operations Team

By Denna Bowman

Cooper tyres are appealing a court ruling that their tyres were responsible for a fatal minivan crash in 2007.

The second-biggest US tyres manufacturer was ordered to pay massive compensation awards to the survivors of the accident and family of the victim by a jury in Des Moines, Iowa.

The jurors found that the tyre fitted to the 1997 Chrysler minivan was not state of the art when it was designed and manufactured.

They awarded $28.4 million to Ivon Toe, a 39-year-old woman rendered quadriplegic in the accident. Her two children received a total of $65,000.

The estate of Assata Karlar, 28, who was killed in the accident, received $649,000. Her husband, Gaye, was awarded $420,000, and their five children received a combined total of more than $1 million.

Wesley Todd, a lawyer for the plaintiffs’, said: “I really hope this sends a message to Cooper about these cases.

“I hope they’ll change their philosophy at the corporate level in how they make their tyres instead of defending them.”

Cooper was also assessed punitive damages of $1.5 million for a total liability of more than $32.8 million. Included were damages for the other four people riding in the van when it rolled over, the spouse of one of those passengers and that couple’s three children.

A spokesman for Cooper said: “We have deep sympathy for those involved and wish to express our sincere condolences to the individuals and families impacted by this accident.”

Cooper disputed the verdict and is set to appeal the decision.

While attorneys for van passengers and their families argued that the tyre was defective, lawyers for the company countered that the tyre was old, worn and damaged before the accident.

In his March 15 closing, defense lawyer Terrance M. Miller also said the driver of the van, Alfred Lang, was driving too fast and that his hard braking in reaction to the tread separation exacerbated it.

In its statement, the tyre company said its products, including the tyre involved in the case, “are safe and reliable, exceeding not only all government standards but also our own, more rigorous, internal standards.”

It argued that the tyre on the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan owned by plaintiff Achol Deng Maiwen, had been punctured by a nail that was still in the tyre at the time of the accident.

“The tyre suffered from long-term underinflated operation and had been damaged by a road hazard impact,” Cooper Tyre said, adding “this tyre was not defective and that plaintiffs did not prove that any tyre defect caused this accident.”

By Denna Bowman

Cooper tyres bounced into a fourth-quarter profit after experiencing a jump in sales and a drop in raw material prices.

Roy Armes, chief executive of the US based tyres manufacturer, said: “During the fourth quarter, we were encouraged by the stronger demand in many markets for our tyres.

“This improvement allowed the progress we have made to be more visible on the bottom line.”

Cooper has recently seen strength from a bounce-back in sales as well as lower raw-material prices and cost cuts.

The company has benefited from raising prices and restructuring, and demand for replacement tyres could rise as people drive more as the economy strengthens.

Like many tyres manufacturers around the world, Cooper had been hit during the recession as consumers chose to run longer on their old tyres before replacing them.

Cooper reported a profit of $39.2 million compared with a year-earlier loss of $143.5 million.

Cooper’s North American and international operations returned to the black in the latest quarter as revenue rose 11% and 56%, respectively.

Michelin and Cooper are the latest two tyres companies to donate much-needed financial support to the Haiti relief fund.

Following the devastating earthquake earlier this month, Michelin tyres has pledged a £62,000 donation to the American Red Cross to help Haiti, but also will match employee contributions up to £62,000.

Michelin stated: “We have all been moved by the devastation that has taken place in Haiti and the grief they have suffered over the past two weeks.”

Cooper is also pledging up to £15,500 in donations. The company will match up to £15,500 in employee donations through a special Haiti disaster-relief matching gift programme.

Roy Armes, chairman, CEO and president of the company, said: “Cooper Tyre and its employees have a long tradition of assisting communities and people in need.

“We are saddened by this tragedy, one of the worst natural disasters of our lifetime, and genuinely concerned for the health and safety of the people of Haiti.

“In an effort to provide much needed assistance, the company, on behalf of its employees around the world, will join in the united effort to save lives and rebuild this demolished country.”

Bridgestone has also donated funds to the cause.

Alex Kapadia, Operations Team