Michelin has confirmed that it has submitted a bid to become Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier from 2017, potentially replacing current supplier Pirelli.
The French manufacturer last competed in the sport in 2006 when it was engaged in a tyre war with Bridgestone, but exited, leaving the sport with a sole supplier since.
Michelin hinted that it would apply after the FIA announced a tender process to find a new supplier, but looked likely to back down when it became clear that its proposal was some way off what the FIA wants.
The company however confirmed on Tuesday that it has submitted a bid, with a proposal to switch to 18-inch rims over the current 13-inch rims and it’s believed they support the idea of more durable tyres.
Therefore it seems unlikely that their bid will succeed.
At present, only Pirelli and Michelin have confirmed their bids, whilst Goodyear recently confirmed that it was looking at the idea, but hasn’t yet committed.