Michelin will quit Formula 1 in 2007

In an announcement that surprised no-one, Michelin announced today that it will leave Formula 1 at the end of 2006, because of the FIA's determination to move to a single tire supplier when the new rules package comes into effect in 2008.
Given the public war of words between Edouard Michelin and the FIA's Max Mosley, the writing was on the wall for the French tire maker, who undoubtedly felt that a competition with Bridgestone for the sole tire supplier role was a game Michelin couldn't win. This should lead to Bridgestone becoming the de facto single F1 tire supplier in 2007.

Where Michelin did win was on the track - Michelin tires carried Fernando Alonso and the Renault team to the Formula 1 drivers' and constructors' championships this year.

Of course, Max couldn't resist a parting shot. Read Max's, er, the FIA's statement at fia.com. Michelin's announcement is posted at michelinsport.com.

[Sources: Michelin, FIA. Tip from Kakairo]