MotoGP: Michelin withdraws from MotoGP

The Japanese tyre manufacturer met on Saturday at Phillip Island with the Grand Prix Commission and put forward the proposal for the project.

The commission said that the proposal will now be studied and an announcement will be made on 18th October 2008 in Sepang, Malaysi about who will supply all the tyres for the premier class next season.Bridgestone´s current competitors in the premier class, Michelin, did not submit a proposal as confirmed by a press release from the French tyre company themselves on Saturday.

Hiroshi Yamada, Bridgestone´s Motorcycle Sport Unit Manager, said: "We submitted our proposal yesterday and we have heard that Michelin didn´t apply. At the moment they have not decided yet which company will supply the tyres for next year, but as we are the only manufacturer (to propose) there is a very high possibility that we will be the supplier for next year."

The news that Michelin has withdrawn from the tyre race has shocked the paddock. In an official statement the company said: "Michelin has decided not to submit a bid to the governing body of the MotoGP World Championship. At the same time, Michelin regrets not being able to contribute to the organisers’ important discussions to improve rider safety and reduce costs.

"The spirit of competition has always been central to Michelin. Motor sports at the highest level are useful because competition among several tire manufacturers is a valuable stimulus for developing increasingly high-performance tyres that will one day equip customer vehicles. Tyres play a key role in a vehicle’s performance and can make a considerable difference. This competition among manufacturers helps to make racing exciting.

"The radial tyre, which was invented by Michelin, has been improved through racing, and the improvements have since been passed on to consumers. Michelin’s dual compound technology for motorcycle tyres was first tested in MotoGP racing and is today integrated into premium products for the brand’s customers. The MotoGP Championship organizers have decided to use a single tyre supplier for the coming seasons, which effectively eliminates the competitive environment that has led to so much progress."