Friday June 30th, 2000

Michelin motor racing boss Pierre Dupasquier warned on Friday that Formula One faced tyre chaos in 2001 unless the sport's governing body clarified the regulations.

He said that under the current situation, with one manufacturer -- Japan's Bridgestone -- providing all the tyres in Formula One, there was what amounted to a gentleman's agreement in place.

But when French manufacturer Michelin returns in 2001, that might change as the "tyre wars" resume.

Formula One cars have to use tyres with four grooves, introduced to lower speeds for safety reasons, but the rules do not specify a maximum depth or govern their state at the finish.

"Nobody pays attention to the shape of the poor things at the end of races," Dupasquier said.

"In most cases the races finish (with the cars) running on what are almost slick tyres."

Dupasquier said there was a danger that teams might win a race next season and then be disqualified for what was deemed to be excessive tyre wear.

"This is therefore a question for the tyre suppliers and Mr Yasukawa (of Bridgestone) and I have put a question to the FIA (International Automobile Federation) about specifying (the limits) to make sure there will be no question of races having to be decided the following day on the basis of post-race tyre checks," said Dupasquier.

"Without any better information about it, and unless we have everything precisely set out in writing, we will all be running on slick tyres.

"We have told the federation that if it wants us to run on slick tyres, we will be able to do so."

Dupasquier said the easiest way to control tyres in a race was to allow the return of slicks but that would amount to significantly faster lap times.

"We need more specific (guidelines) about the checks on the tyres after the race, on arrival," he said.

"Because nobody wants to see a driver winning the race, heading the championship and everything, and two hours later being told the wear on the tyre was too high."

Michelin have so far signed contracts with Williams, Jaguar and, from 2002, Toyota. Bridgestone have Ferrari, McLaren, Jordan and Arrows.

Dupasquier also confirmed that Michelin was in a position to introduce colour-coordinated rubber next season so that a team such as Jaguar could run in green tyres or Ferrari in their flaming red.

However, he said Michelin's other operational priorities in preparing for Formula One and current FIA rules, under which all tyres are distributed by the world body to teams, made it an impossible dream at present.