Michelin to promote sister brand in WRC in '06.

The Michelin name will disappear from the FIA World Rally Championship in 2006 after the French tyre manufacturer announced that they would instead promote sister brand, BF Goodrich tyres next year.

The move comes as Michelin already competes in the Rally Raid World Cup, with the BF Goodrich brand.

The full statement from Michelin read:

"Starting from 2006, the Michelin Group will pursue its technological and sporting involvement in World Rally Championship with its BF Goodrich Tyres brand.

"This decision strengthens BFGoodrich Tyres' current racing implication in the Rally Raid World Cup, in the Dakar Rally, as well as in numerous Northern-American competitions such as the Score Baja 1000.

"The Michelin Group and Ford have the intention to continue their partnership in WRC for the years to come. BFGoodrich Tyres will bring into this partnership its widespread racing experience and Michelin Group's most up-to-date technology.

"Car racing and motor sports in general form a key element of Michelin Group's strategy.

"Having secured 36 World Rally Championship titles, Michelin brand continues to participate in closed circuit categories: Formula One, MotoGP and Endurance [Le Mans 24 Hours], while BFGoodrich Tyres will spearhead the Group's commitment in Rally Raid [Dakar] and on the World Rally Championship's high variety of grounds."