F1 will not be without a tyres supplier for 2011, says Williams boss
Fears that Formula One could be left without of tyres supplier for 2011 have been brushed aside by the boss of the Williams team
Sir Frank Williams has said that although Bridgestone will not renew its tyres supply contract at the end of the season there are options on the table which are still open for discussion.
Finding a replacement was at the top of the agenda at the Formula One Team Association’s (FOTA) meeting in Malaysia.
Among the candidates is Michelin, which could return to F1 in competition with Korean manufacturers Kumho or Hankook. However, the French manufacturer is only believed to be interested in a deal if the teams pay for the tyres and the regulations are changed to allow low-profile tyres on 18-inch rims.
Williams told Motorline: “There will be tyres. The question is whether we get them for free or whether we have to pay. There have already been talks. Some of the companies have developed Formula One tyres in the past, others have not.”
The F1 boss also added that re-igniting the tyre war would be an “expensive” route for the sport.
Meanwhile, Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn said he is not automatically opposed to the idea of changing the current rules.
He said: “If a tyre manufacturer wants to be in Formula One, we have to consider their objectives and try to meet them up with the objectives of the teams.”
Alex Kapadia, Opertions Team
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