Michelin instead of Pirelli in 2014?

What do we do in Formula 1 when we’re not speculating about Kimi Räikkönen’s future? We talk about Pirelli. The Italian manufacturer was besieged by the media on Friday following the problems encountered by Alonso and Vettel during free practice, but it is mainly the near future of the Italian brand that is at the center of questions with the possible arrival of Michelin.

This is not the first time that a return of the Clermont-Ferrand brand has been mentioned, an announcement was actually expected the week following the Hungarian Grand Prix. Today, it’s Bernie Ecclestone who confirms Bibendum’s interest in returning to F1 as early as 2014.

« They want to return, but we have had a contract with Pirelli for a while, » explains the F1 financial chief in the columns of Auto Motor und Sport.

In addition to the contract with Ecclestone, Pirelli also has an agreement with 10 of the 11 teams on the grid. But they are missing the most important piece, the signature at the bottom of the contract with the FIA. This agreement is delayed much to the dismay of Paul Hembery, who would like to be settled as soon as possible concerning 2014 and beyond. So it’s safe to say that the idea of Michelin coming back into the picture at this stage of the season is not something he appreciates: “Quite frankly, a call for tenders in September when the first tests are scheduled for January would be absurd. This should have been done last September. Everyone would look ridiculous in such a scenario,” reacted the Briton.

Yesterday morning, the BBC mentioned internal sources at Michelin confirming interest around a potential return, but seeing them come back as early as next season would still be surprising. Despite all the brand’s expertise, being ready by January would represent a significant challenge.

From our special correspondent in Spa-Francorchamps