Michelin Confirms Williams.

Tyre company Michelin has confirmed its intention to return to Formula One, and announced that it will supply both the Williams and Toyota teams.


The French company is scheduled to restart its F1 involvement in 2001, and will rekindle an already successful relationship with Williams' engine supplier BMW, which it partnered to victory in June's Le Mans 24 Hours, and also as Brabham's engine supplier in the 1980s. Its agreement with Toyota will begins as soon as the Japanese giant confirms its entry date into the category.


The announcement that it is to return to the top flight means that Michelin will be vying with Bridgestone for success in Formula One, but the company is determined to maintain a record which encompasses almost every other for of motorsport on both two and four wheels.


"This decision is part of our world-wide strategy," insisted the company's chief executive Edouard Michelin, "Racing, and F1 in particular, presents a very strong potential in terms of communicating our technological leadership.


"Our entry into F1 will help us to reinforce our position in Europe, and gain and improve our presence in Asia and South America. It will also increase our racing presence in North America. We are convinced that this is a good investment.


"This sport has evolved considerably in the past 15 years - that's why we say we are entering rather than re-entering. Automotive technology has changed, and tyres have changed too. It's going to be a challenge and, at Michelin, we love challenges!"


The link with Williams and Toyota does not come as a surprise to F1 insiders, who were predicting such agreements ever since rumours of Michelin's return surfaced last month. The company has also been linked to both Prost, Benetton and Ferrari teams, but would not reveal whether deals have been struck.


"We are well acquainted with the racing teams of Toyota and BMW-Williams," revealed director of racing Pierre Dupasquier, "Even though we have not been competing in Formula One in recent years, Michelin has kept a close eye on the sport and its evolution. We look forward to taking on the challenge, and I assure you that we will bring our reputation for technology and quality service in order to be competitive."


Michelin introduced the radial revolution to Formula One back in 1977, and the legacy remained on its departure in 1984, when all competing cars ran on radial tyres. In its short involvement, Michelin used the technology to rack up 59 race wins, three drivers' (Scheckter '79, Piquet '83 and Lauda '84) and two constructors' (Ferrari '79 and McLaren '84) titles.