ZippyVR6 0 Posted December 14, 2005 Looks like they ruffled to many feathers this year one way or another. Shamless plagurism: The French firm's future in the sport has been in question since their tyre problems caused 14 cars to pull out of June's United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis after the warm-up lap. Those difficulties prompted stinging criticism from Max Mosley, president of world governing body the FIA, and were felt by many to be one of the key reasons behind a subsequent plan to introduce a single tyre manufacturer in 2008. Michelin had always objected to that idea, unlike Bridgestone, and they have now confirmed their withdrawal, firing a broadside at Mosley and the FIA in the process. Chief executive Edouard Michelin said: "This decision is the result of profound differences between Michelin's long-standing sporting philosophy and the way Formula One is managed by the regulating authorities, which no longer provide a clear and sustainable environment to justify long-term investments. "For Michelin, leaving Formula One in no way represents abandoning motorsports, to which the Michelin brand has been committed for 117 years. "If Formula One's ways of functioning were to be significantly modified, Michelin would not hesitate in proposing its services to the different teams once again." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites