Tyre manufacturers Bridgestone and Michelin threaten friday that they won't give tyres to any MotoGP team if DORNA lays down the single tyre manufacturer rule next season.
« If they impose the one make rule, we will think about the possibility to quit the championship », said Hiroshi Yamada, Bridgestone motorcycle competition duirector, he added that this rule will reduce the « cmpetition element » instead of incrase it.
« With the competition, our brand became famous. It forces to improve and bring innovation in technology », said also the representative of Bridgestone, who invest 35 millions Euro each years for MotoGP.
For Michelin it is the same, Jean Philippe Weber also wish to continue to compete.
« Its good for us, we want to stay like this. We could, quit MotoGP instead. We don't have decided yet but its an possibility. » said Weber
DORNA made thi official purpose during the Japanese Grand Prix lasrt month after the TV audiance has droped. The reason is for most a advantage for a tyre manufacteurer on each track (never equality).
Bridgestone was the most dominating brand this season with 11 victories (9 by Casey Stoner); only four for Michelin two races from the end.
Weber agreed that the 2007 season was a nightmare for the french manufacturer after 15 years of domination. He also promised a come back in 2008.
For Yamada great riders as the former world champion Valentino Rossi and spaniard Dani Pedrosa, both on Michelin, put a lot of pressure on the DORNA for the single tyre Manufacturer...
Source : AFP