Michelin says goodbye to F1 with 2 titles
Michelin’s F1 programme director, Nick Shorrock, is delighted with the result of yesterday’s battle…. Michelin retires from F1 with 2 Championship titles and could not have wished for more. Thanks Michelin, Thanks Renault!
"You bet! They were 71 long laps, I can tell you. But it was also very intense and I think Formula 1 gave a fantastic show today. Michelin has won both world titles for the second consecutive year, just as we retire from Formula 1. It’s an emotional moment."
Were you worried to see the track temperatures so high before the start?"Yes, to be honest. We knew that the tyres on the McLaren and BMW wouldn’t have any problems, but Renault had chosen a specific type of tyre whose optimum operating window called for lower temperatures. Everything worked out in the end, but it’s fair to say we were a bit worried."
Are you sad to be leaving the sport?"Of course, because we have had so many good memories since we returned in 2001. But our decision was taken some months ago, so it is not a surprise. We wanted to finish on the right note, and we succeeded. So we are leaving with smiles on our faces."
Michelin can be proud to have won world titles in very different circumstances in 2005 and 2006…"That’s true, we won titles under two very different sets of regulations: the single tyre rule last year, and the return of tyre changes in 2006. That demonstrates our technical expertise. What’s important is that we never gave up. We worked flat out until the final race, which makes this win all the sweeter. We can be proud of it."
Source Renaultf1
