Michelin have decided to quit F1 at the end of next season,leaving Bridgestone as the only supplier.

The French firm's future in the sport has been in question since their tyre problems caused 14 cars to pull out of June's United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis after the warm-up lap.

Those difficulties prompted stinging criticism from Max Mosley, president of world governing body the FIA, and were felt by many to be one of the key reasons behind a subsequent plan to introduce a single tyre manufacturer in 2008.

Michelin had always objected to that idea, unlike Bridgestone, and they have now confirmed their withdrawal, firing a broadside at Mosley and the FIA in the process.

Chief executive Edouard Michelin said: "This decision is the result of profound differences between Michelin's long-standing sporting philosophy and the way Formula One is managed by the regulating authorities, which no longer provide a clear and sustainable environment to justify long-term investments.

"For Michelin, leaving Formula One in no way represents abandoning motorsports, to which the Michelin brand has been committed for 117 years.

"If Formula One's ways of functioning were to be significantly modified, Michelin would not hesitate in proposing its services to the different teams once again."

One less thing to talk about with F1...

Although I hear that Tumble Weed inc are a prime sponsor this season.

It's a shame when a formula works and then they break it...wrc the same, far better to watch the lower ranks. Formula Audi is a hoot to watch.

It's a shame when a formula works and then they break it...wrc the same, far better to watch the lower ranks....

:iagree:

Touring cars provides far more entertainment in a single race than F1 does in a whole season - overtakes are a distinct possibility in a touring car for a start

:iagree:

Touring cars provides far more entertainment in a single race than F1 does in a whole season - overtakes are a distinct possibility in a touring car for a start

If F1 is so dull why is it still far and away the most popular motorsport? I think single tyres is the right move - tyres are too important for different cars to be using different manufactures. The tyres trump all other differences.

If F1 is so dull why is it still far and away the most popular motorsport? I think single tyres is the right move - tyres are too important for different cars to be using different manufactures. The tyres trump all other differences.

I agree, but they should be allowed to change them as many times as they like in a race -- would make for some more interesting pitstop strategy.

Also they need to sort the aero so the cars can get close to each other again - that alone would improve prospects for overtake - I believe this is in the specs for 2007 - god knows why they could not introduce it for 2006:thumbdwn:

I think A1 has come onto the scene just at the right time

What would really push A1 forward would be ex/current F1 drivers making a move towards it. I doubt that will happen though.

The series of ex-champions makes for good watching, as does the Seat Cupra championship.

A1 is much more entertaining than F1.

Whilst you have the son of a Facist in charge of the FIA things are never going to improve.

A1's biggest problem is that it costs a minimum of £30 a month to see it on Sky.

I think last season's F1 was OK: there were a few interesting races. However, the UK touring cars season was terrible, there just weren't enough makes in it to keep it interesting.

A1's biggest problem is that it costs a minimum of

It only cost that much because the likes of the BBC and ITV didn't have the balls to buy the rights for it.

Totally agree -- The BBC could do themselves a real favour if they could be bothered to do proper coverage.