Sauber switching sides............

[5vz-fe]

Sauber switch to Michelin tyres

Formula One outfit Sauber will switch to Michelin tyres next season after six seasons using Bridgestones.
The Swiss team's move means Ferrari are the only top team contracted to Bridgestone although Jordan and Minardi both used them in 2004.

Despite many supply contracts, Michelin trail Bridgestone in terms of results.

Limits on how many tyres can be used in GP weekends and attempts to restrict tyre testing have led to fears over how long F1 can sustain two manufacturers.

Not so good for Bridgestone, especially when FIA is considering switching back to 1 tire manufacture.

[deth]

hmm thats odd...considering they're essentially using a ferrari thats built for bridgestones..or perhaps its ferrari's way of gathering data on the michelins?

[Toronto]

well the FIA wants one tire company in a couple of years, so it isn't a bad idea to go with the company everyone else is using.

wasn't this the case in superbike racing a couple of years ago?

[5vz-fe]

Well, I think bridgestone did a great job in 2004, their tires are competitive in both hot and cold weather, they dominated in the wets. The only situations that are bad for them are first lap or 2 before tires are warmed up, and minimal wet condition before switching to imtermediate wets.

As for deth's theory, I think they need to sign a contract about not exposing data to their rival or something .... (but in world full of spies...u never know)....

[5vz-fe]

Follow by this news, here comes some rumours from F1-live.com


Toyota to switch to Bridgestone?
Or will Michelin run six of the nine teams?

Yesterday’s announcement from Sauber that they will use Michelin tyres with immediate effect leaves Bridgestone with just three teams, Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi. Speculation last month linked both Toyota and Honda to Bridgestone for 2005 and following the announcement; it is more likely than ever that Toyota will switch to Bridgestone for 2005.

The Japanese tyre manufacturer is keen to have the Japanese owned F1 outfit running on their tyres next year. Formula One rules also dictate that any tyre manufacturer must be willing to supply up to 60 percent of the F1 field if required. Publicly Toyota have stated that they are ‘very pleased’ with Michelin and have no intention of switching supplier.

The Bridgestone-shod Ferrari team won 15 of the 18 races this year with Michelin picking up wins at Monaco, Spa Francorchamps and Interlagos. Toyota, disappointing by their own admission in 2004, may opt for Bridgestone in order to try to gain an advantage over their immediate mid-field rivals.

[dons5]

all this controll tire stuff and 1 tire company is so stupid