Friday February 22nd, 2002

A new row concerning the tyres used at next week's Australian Grand Prix could be sparked after reports that French tyre manufacturer Michelin could be using illegal rubber.

Michelin, who will supply to six Formula One teams in the 2002 season, are believed to have developed a tyre with asymmetrical grooves to be used in the season opening Grand Prix on March 3.

The technical regulations say that the tyres must have four grooves, positioned symmetrically on either side of the tyre.

FIA president Max Mosley said that those tyres would be illegal and revealed that they have warned the manufacturer about it, although some believe that Michelin could still use them, as they believe they are not breaking the rules.

"There is supposed to be a new tyre, with asymmetric grooves which is not allowed," Mosley told Autosport magazine. "The grooves have to be uniform, which we think means they have to be same whichever way you look at them.

"We have told the people concerned it's illegal and I hope they won't turn up with it in Melbourne."

Published at 10:21:30 GMT

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(03-11-2005): Australian GP Paddock Gossip (03-09-2005): Greece Finds Site for Formula One Track (03-09-2005): Red Bull Set to Get Honda Engines in 2006 (03-08-2005): Schumacher in Line for Sporting Oscars (03-07-2005): Daily Grapevine Sunday Analysis - Australia

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