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SAUBER DEFECT TO MICHELIN
Last Updated: Tuesday, 02, November, 2004, 17:14
Sauber have made a shock switch from Bridgestone to Michelin tyres.
The contract begins with immediate effect, meaning that Sauber will conduct their first test with Michelin tyres between November 24 and 26 in Barcelona.
The Swiss team’s defection means that only Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi are left on Bridgestone rubber.
Team boss Peter Sauber said: "I’m very pleased that we were able to sign this contract with Michelin and I’m looking forward to a successful co-operation.
"At the same time I would like to thank Bridgestone for a good partnership during the past six years."
It is understood that Sauber made the decision to end their association with Bridgestone because they were unhappy with the Japanese rubber's lack of pace over a single lap, a characteristic that restricted their tactical flexibility.
Sauber's switch increases the number of Michelin teams to seven out of 10 - although Jaguar's future is still in question.
Under F1 rules, tyre manufacturers must only be prepared to supply 60 per cent of the grid. Michelin already did that, so they could have resisted Sauber's move if they had wanted to.
Clearly, the opportunity to deal rivals Bridgestone a bloody nose was too tempting to miss out on.
Michelin competitions boss Pierre Dupasquier said: "As we demonstrated in 2004, our technology makes a significant contribution to the performance of Formula 1 cars equipped by Michelin.
"I look forward to enabling Sauber Petronas to benefit from this progress."
The move puts further distance between the Swiss team and engine partners Ferrari.
Only 10 days ago, Sauber left Ferrari isolated by signing up to a cost-cutting plan that the world champions opposed.
It remains to be seen whether a rival outift will make the reverse trip from Michelin to Bridgestone. Toyota have been linked with a switch to the Japanese company.