Ecclestone Dismisses Michelin Tyre Rumours

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has denied reports french tyre manufacturer Michelin could return to the grid in 2014 insisting Formula One Management (FOM) have a deal with Pirelli. 

Rumours have been circulating about Michelin’s growing interest and at the Belgian GP weekend Director of Michelin’s Competition Department Pascal Couasnon said they were ready to open talks with the FIA.

But Ecclestone continued to reiterate a deal was already in place with Pirelli

“FOM and Pirelli have a contract.” Ecclestone told Speed:

Whilst that may be the case, Pirelli’s Paul Hembery has admitted they are yet to agree a deal with the FIA, but Ecclestone does not see that as an issue.

“We don’t need one, I don’t think,” he added.

“They are nothing to do with commercial. The FIA’s position is that they are regulators. They regulate all the regulations that have been agreed.”

The 82-year-old F1 supremo also denied any of the 11 teams were pressing for Michelin to be allowed to supply tyres.

“None of the teams who have spoken to me have said that,” he said.

“All the teams who have spoken to me say they are very happy with Pirelli, and the problems they’ve had, they’re happy that they’ve dealt with them.”