Michelin celebrates F1 success on the streets of Clermont-Ferrand

After an 18-race season that proved to be an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, Fernando Alonso, the Renault F1 Team and Michelin emerged with a Formula One world title double in 2006 - the perfect result.

On December 12 Michelin will commemorate its 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship success with a special demonstration on the streets of Clermont-Ferrand, the French city that houses the company's headquarters. As part of the celebrations, Heikki Kovalainen - who will step up to race with the world championship-winning Renault F1 Team in 2007 - will drive a Renault R25 in a special city-centre demonstration.

At the heart of the metropolis, the Place de Jaude will bristle with a number of special displays organised by Michelin and the Clermont-Ferrand authorities. And the Avenue Julien, the city's main thoroughfare, will remain closed so that Kovalainen can give his Renault free rein during a spectacular driving exhibition.

Michelin motorsport director Frédéric Henry-Biabaud says: "It is a genuine pleasure to be able to celebrate our two world titles while putting on such a spectacle for the citizens of Clermont-Ferrand. We will be very happy to welcome Heikki Kovalainen and are immensely grateful to Renault for its participation - an event such as this underlines the strength of the relationship the two parties have enjoyed during many years of collaboration. We can't wait to see the city in party mood. It really will be a unique event." said Frédéric Henry-Biabaud, Michelin Motorsports Director