Michelin is open to the idea of a tire war returning to F1 -- although at the moment the idea is only theoretical, as the current tender process is for a sole supplier.
Michelin has taken on Pirelli in bidding for the 2017-2019 contract. However, some observers believe that tire competition would be a useful boost to the sport. Pirelli is known not to like the idea, but Michelin would welcome it.
"We would love it," Michelin competition boss Pascal Couasnon told FOXSports.com. "There would be a big scream of joy in Clermont-Ferrand."
The major argument against a tire war is that it will raise costs for both teams and suppliers. However, Couasnon says it won't necessarily turn into a spending race.
"It could be more expensive than if you were by yourself, but the times are very different from 2005-2006. There are a limited number of test days today, so just by that you limit the cost. Today the teams are also spending a lot of time trying to understand the tire, trying to use it better, so are they going to spend much more money if there are two tires?
"I don't think so. In sportscar racing, Michelin and Dunlop are there. OK it's open, but the costs are very well controlled. I would say it's possible to have tire competition -- I will not say war because when you talk about war you're talking about a lot of resources. But controlled resources, for a good battle, is possible."
