

The rumours of Michelin returning to Formula 1 gathered pace over the weekend with many speculating that the decision and announcement is imminent, and that some of the major hurdles in negotiations are already decided.

For example, we understand that Michelin has agreed to build the 13 inch high profile tyres that Formula 1 has demanded, rather than the low profile 18 inch tyres that are currently produced for LMP1.

This seems to be something of a milestone, but actually it makes perfect sense. At the Le Mans test day in June, Audi ran a fourth car on narrow tyres to give Michelin the live track data that it needed to build safe tyres for an 870kg hybrid, which ultimately in Toyota’s case could deliver around 1000bhp in short bursts when the hybrid system is active.

Compare that with the 2014 Formula 1 cars, and Michelin’s tyre test could have significant meaning. Michelin therefore already has live track data for a hybrid car and should be able to build tyres to the demands of Formula 1, even allowing for the extra downforce and cornering speeds of a Formula 1 car over an LMP.

There are still obstacles – Michelin has always said that it does not want to be a sole tyre supplier, and the comments from Korean management suggest that a prospective deal with Hankook is off. And it would have to be a partnership, or there would be a tyre war, although how that would pan out would be interesting – what’s the criteria? Who can build the best tyres over a ten-lap run?

The prospect of Michelin going to F1 could have ramifications for Le Mans – Michelin is the tyre of choice for Audi, Toyota and Porsche in LMP1 alone. In the GTE classes, Michelin supplies all the teams and only Dunlop competes against them in LMP2. A Formula 1 contract could stretch Michelin beyond capacity.

Lest we forget, Pirelli still has a number of promotional contracts in place in Formula 1 in 2014. Regardless of the listed rumours (and they are only rumours), are these contracts that they would easily give up?