Why are Michelin teams approaching Bridgestone?

UPDATE Tire supplier Michelin is set to shed at least two, and possibly three, F1 teams next year. The dominant rubber maker, presently with 70 per cent of the grand prix grid covered, will reveal who is off to Bridgestone at Spa this weekend, amid speculation that the French marque could pull out of F1 at the end of 2006.

Nick Shorrock, a Michelin F1 chief, insisted that it is Bibendum's 'desire' to reconfigure the split of teams – with just three supplied by Bridgestone – in pitlane.

''So, certainly, yes,'' he told Reuters, ''we will be ending up with a reduction of partners for the 2006 season.''

Red Bull has almost certainly penned a Bridgestone deal, and the latest word is that Williams may also follow suit. Toyota is under perpetual pressure to team up with the fellow Japanese company. Michelin CEO Edouard Michelin is tipped to front the announcement in the Spa paddock.

Williams is one team rumored to be switching to Bridgestone. Cosworth will be blamed for the poor performance of the Williams team in 2006 when in fact if this year is any indication, it will be the tires at fault. Too bad for Cosworth because their future in F1 hinges on them doing well with Williams. 07/28/05 Five of the seven Michelin-contracted Formula One teams have approached rivals Bridgestone about a possible switch in 2006, the Japanese tire company said on Wednesday. A Bridgestone spokeswoman, speaking before Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, said the approaches were to be expected at a stage in the season when teams were reviewing contracts.

Michelin currently supply championship-leaders Renault, McLaren, Williams, Toyota, BAR, Red Bull and Sauber while Bridgestone have just champions Ferrari with struggling Jordan and Minardi. The French company said in a statement earlier this month that they had been approached by one of Bridgestone's three teams but would be happy to supply fewer in 2006.

"We weren't surprised to read the Michelin statement but the facts are that we have been approached by five non-Bridgestone teams," said the spokeswoman, who gave no names. "If we do secure further teams it will be on the basis of mutually agreeable commercial terms." Reuters

With Michelin clad teams steamrolling over Bridgestone shod teams this year, why would Michelin teams be looking to make a switch to what some would call an inferior tire? Rumor has it they might get free tires, or a reduced price, from Bridgestone, whereas Michelin wants a hefty fee for what they may deem to be a superior product. Other speculation says that F1 will go to a single tire manufacturer soon and Bridgestone might get the nod, so it's better to get in now and become one of the Bridgestone 'factory' teams.