Michelin and Goodyear, the most recent tyre brands in Formula One, have
played down suggestions they might take over from Bridgestone as F1's
exclusive supplier in 2011 and beyond.
A spokeswoman for Michelin's North American headquarters said the French
company is not interested in returning to Formula One, after it pulled out
at the end of the 'tyre war' era three years ago and then rowed with the
governing FIA.
The American brand Goodyear left F1 at the end of 1998, following an
ultra-successful three decades on the grid.
"We have no plans to re-enter F1," spokesman Ed Markey told the Akron
Beacon Journal, which like Goodyear is based in Akron, Ohio.
"However, we continually evaluate a wide range of opportunities to
determine the best fit for our strategic direction and make decisions based
on the best interests of the company," he added.
Other reports said the Italian tyre maker Pirelli, having shown interest in
obtaining the 2008-2010 tender, is also not likely to be interested in
returning to F1.
