By BMW Sauber F1 Team
October 23 2006

For Michelin, the BMW Sauber F1 Team's tyre partner in the 2006 Formula One season, the Brazilian GP was its final race at the pinnacle of motor racing, for the time being. The company's Formula One success story is an impressive one. From 1977 to 1984 and 2001 to 2006, the French manufacturer contested a total of 216 Grands Prix. In this time, 20 drivers of Michelin shod cars, racing for seven teams, secured a total of 102 victories - a remarkable record. Five World Champions secured their titles on Michelin tyres and at the same time, the French tyre giant also celebrated four Constructors' Championship titles.

Following the FIA's decision to return to control tyres from 2008, Michelin announced that it would retire from the pinnacle of motor racing despite the major successes secured in the past. Frédéric Henry-Biabaud, Michelin's Motorsport Director, explains: "F1 is supposed to be competition in its purest form and you eliminate a key part of that if you remove the rivalry between tyre manufacturers."

In 2006, Michelin tyres proved to be a major advantage for the French manufacturer's partner teams. Alonso won the drivers' title and Renault secured the Constructors' Championship, on Michelin tyres, with the BMW Sauber F1 Team finishing fifth. Michelin CEO Michel Rollier dedicated the two World Championship titles to Edouard Michelin who lost his life earlier this year in a boating accident. "At this time, naturally, my thoughts turn to the late Edouard Michelin who was always the driving force behind Michelin's participation in Formula One.," reveals Rollier, "Therefore, I would like to dedicate this year's double title success to him."