Michelin believes Formula 1 will adopt 18-inch wheels in the not-too-distant future as the benefits to the sport and the supplier are too great to ignore.
The French manufacturer has signalled an interest in supplying Formula 1 in 2017 when Pirelli’s contract comes to an end, with the FIA opening up the official tender process this week.
However it will only do so if it can supply more durable 18-inch tyres.
“We believe it is impossible to transfer technology from small-diameter tyres with tall side walls, yet motorsport can play a significant role in speeding up the development of future road-going solutions,” explained Michelin motorsport director Pascal Couasnon.
“We need racing tyres to have a similar profile to road tyres to be in a position to develop new technologies,” he is quoted by Autosport.
Pirelli recently tested 18-inch wheels (© Pirelli Media)
Whilst Pirelli have also expressed a desire to switch from 13-inch to 18-inch wheels and even conducted a test on a GP2 car in Monaco this week (pictured), their proposal was rejected by the sport’s bosses.
Couasnon is confident however that the swap will eventually happen.
“In addition to the technology-related considerations, bigger-diameter tyres provide single-seater racing cars with a more modern look.
“At the same time, the gain for drivers notably concerns cornering performance. “The cars were faster and far more enjoyable to drive [during a recent test] simply after replacing the 13-inch tyres with 17 or 18-inch tyres,” he added.
“I think the idea is gaining ground. The next decisions on the matter will be made at the end of 2015 for a possible introduction in 2017.
“Given the new Formula E championship cars use 18-inch tyres already, and that promotional formulae like the World Series by Renault’s FR3.5 and FR2.0 championships which prepare for Formula 1 are perhaps going to follow suit, it seems to me that it’s a move that makes sense.”
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