Honda 'saddened' by Michelin announcement.
Honda F1 team boss Nick Fry has admitted he is saddened by the news that tyre supplier Michelin is to withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2006 season.
Having come under fire following the US Grand Prix back in June when all 14 Michelin shod cars withdrew on safety grounds, the French company elected to pull out of the sport due to regulation changes which are due to come into place in the future and will see F1 run with a single tyre supplier – with the Michelin claiming that a single tyre rule meant that long-term investment in Formula One 'no longer presented the same interest' as it had in the past.
Although the company consulted current partners McLaren, BMW Sauber, Renault and Honda, as well as previous customer Sir Frank Williams, before taking its decision, Fry said it was a sad day for F1 – adding that his team would be doing all it could to ensure than Michelin leave Formula One on a high.
"The Honda Racing F1 Team is saddened by the news that our tyre partner Michelin has decided to leave Formula One at the end of next season," he said. "Over the course of the past three years we have forged a very strong partnership and shared many special moments in our team's development.
"Whilst we believe that Michelin's departure will be a sad loss for the sport, we understand their reasons for this decision. We thank Michelin for the contribution it has made to our team and we look forward to working with the company for one final year in 2006.
"For our part, we will be doing everything possible to ensure that next season is the most successful yet for ourselves and Michelin."
Honda F1 team boss Nick Fry has admitted he is saddened by the news that tyre supplier Michelin is to withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2006 season.
Having come under fire following the US Grand Prix back in June when all 14 Michelin shod cars withdrew on safety grounds, the French company elected to pull out of the sport due to regulation changes which are due to come into place in the future and will see F1 run with a single tyre supplier – with the Michelin claiming that a single tyre rule meant that long-term investment in Formula One 'no longer presented the same interest' as it had in the past.
Although the company consulted current partners McLaren, BMW Sauber, Renault and Honda, as well as previous customer Sir Frank Williams, before taking its decision, Fry said it was a sad day for F1 – adding that his team would be doing all it could to ensure than Michelin leave Formula One on a high.
"The Honda Racing F1 Team is saddened by the news that our tyre partner Michelin has decided to leave Formula One at the end of next season," he said. "Over the course of the past three years we have forged a very strong partnership and shared many special moments in our team's development.
"Whilst we believe that Michelin's departure will be a sad loss for the sport, we understand their reasons for this decision. We thank Michelin for the contribution it has made to our team and we look forward to working with the company for one final year in 2006.
"For our part, we will be doing everything possible to ensure that next season is the most successful yet for ourselves and Michelin."
