We are confident our tyres will be competitive says Michelin
Round 1 of the 2004 Formula 1 World Championship is set to get underway March 5 in Melbourne, Australia. For the first time Michelin will be supplying tyres to six teams with the off-season addition of British American Racing Team.
The BAR Honda team joins with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team, Jaguar Racing, the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team, Panasonic Toyota Racing, and Team McLaren Mercedes.
The Albert Park circuit uses public roads, which tends to be dirty and slippery as the start of the race weekend. The level of grip increases as the cars lay down rubber on the track surface. Numerous high-speed corners and hard braking areas put rigorous demands on a race tyre.
So just how prepared are they for the opening round, and the 2004 season in general? Pierre Dupasquier , Michelin Motorsport director explains….
“It is always difficult to know where one stands before the racing begins in earnest – not least because we haven’t yet had an opportunity to see all the teams running together in identical conditions. Every car has completed a healthy number of laps at a variety of circuits.”
“I accept that it’s hard to know exactly what fuel loads teams are running during preseason tests, but it’s fair to say that all our partners have fulfilled our expectations in terms of performance. What’s more, some of our new-specification tyres have produced particularly interesting results. I don’t think it’s any secret that we are approaching the season in a positive frame of mind.”
“In summary, we are confident that our tyres will be competitive. As for winning championship titles, well, that’s another thing altogether. There will be seven or eight Michelin drivers who are capable of challenging for podium finishes at every race and it is inevitable that they will take points off each other. Over the course of a season that could benefit our rivals. But let’s wait and see. Ask me the same question again on Sunday March 7, after the chequered flag has fallen in Australia.”
;)
