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Michelin 'disappointed' with F1's tyre state

LONDON, England - Michelin wants to improve Formula 1's tyre situation.

The sport's current supplier, Pirelli, seems to have the backing of F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, though most teams, drivers and many spectators look back fondly on the days when it was possible to push throughout a race rather than hear "save the tyres".

Michelin admitted it was also in that camp.

'DRIVE TO THE MAX'

The tyre supplier's motorsport director, Pascal Couasnon, said:"We are disappointed where F1 is today, tyre-wise."

Michelin confirmed it had lodged an application ahead of the June 17 deadline to be considered for F1's 2017-19 contract as sole supplier.

It wants the sport to move from its current 13" to 18" wheel rims and also do away with tyre-saving attitude during races.

Cousanon said: "We want to be coherent with our proposals and offer the opportunity to the teams and the drivers to have a tyre that enables everybody to express themselves and drive to the max."

Most insiders agree that F1 is likely to stick with the Pirelli philosophies beyond 2016 but Couasnon explained: "If you want to be credible and consistent then you cannot complain or comment if you don't bring solutions.

"It has made sense for me to say 'if we have ideas, then let's go and propose these ideas' and we'll see if people are interested or not," he was quoted as saying by the UK's Daily Mail.

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2015 Formula 1 series.

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