Michelin proud of their work with Renault
Michelin’s F1 programme director, Nick Shorrock, discusses the winter testing programme pursued by the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team and Michelin. Here follows the interview with Nick Shorrock from Michelin.
Nick, compared to 2005, has the Renault F1 Team changed in any way this year?
"No. The world titles haven’t altered the team’s motivation and determination. From the management to the mechanics, I have felt the same desire, the same hunger for success as last year. It’s clear that Renault wants more."
On Michelin’s side, will things be organised differently?
"With Renault, like with our other partners, we will have the same approach. We have simply reinforced a system that worked well last year. As you know, Michelin will be leaving Formula 1 at the end of the season, and we want to do so with our heads held high. I must stress that the collaboration between our partners has been very productive this winter. We have moved forward together."
What has been the impact of the transition to V8 engines for the tyres?
"Two changes obliged us to develop new products: the introduction of V8 engines, which need a different driving style (as the cars slide a lot more), and the reintroduction of tyre changes during the races. The lateral forces in the corners are similar to those in 2005, but we can still use softer compounds this year. We also worked very hard on the balance between performance on the first lap, and the laps that follow."
Are the tyres 100% new?
"No. We didn’t start from a blank sheet of paper. A number of the developments that appeared last year will be used in 2006. This year’s tyres are the product of all our F1 experience."
Pat Symonds, Renault’s Executive Director of Engineering, believes three teams are ahead of the pack this winter: Renault, Honda and McLaren. Do you agree?
"Well, Pat is often right! These three teams have been the quickest this winter, but Ferrari also look more competitive than last year. I don’t think we should forget Toyota or Williams either – they could spring a surprise or two."
Does this situation (Renault, Honda and McLaren are all Michelin teams), particularly in light of this winter’s regulations changes, represent a first small victory for you?
"I don’t know what the results will be in Bahrain on 12 March, but what I can say is that I am proud of the work Michelin has done this winter. We put every effort into being the best. All our engineers and chemists went to great lengths to rise to the challenge of the 2006 season."
