SUBE555 Posted August 2, 2004 Share Posted August 2, 2004 [url=http://www.wrc.com/News.aspx?PO_ID=3947&lang=en_GB]WRC.com[/url] [b]Peugeot swaps to Pirelli for '05[/b] The works Peugeot team will make a dramatic switch in tyre supplier from French firm Michelin to its Italian rival Pirelli for the start of the 2005 World Rally Championship. The three-year deal, which will start at the beginning of next season, ends a long-term arrangement between Peugeot and Michelin which has yielded nine world titles. It will also mark the end of Subaru’s two-year exclusive relationship with Pirelli, which has been in existence since Ford switched from Pirelli to Michelin at the end of 2002. In an official release, Peugeot said that it had made the decision due to what it feels is the superior performance of Pirelli’s product. “Peugeot Sport has been won over by the technological arguments put forward by Pirelli, which are supported by the results they have obtained, and will be able to profit from this expertise which, until now, has been restricted to just one team,” it said. “The interest of the championship is likely to be enhanced as a result. “Peugeot Sport would like to thank Michelin for its contribution to the many victories and world titles the two firms have won in the course of their many years together.” In a separate announcement, Michelin confirmed that it will retain its partnership with Citroen – Peugeot’s sister company from the French PSA automotive group. © Copyright wrc.com *********************************** It's very interesting they are switching to Pirelli from Michelin, French tires on a French car. Not anymore! Should be interesting what difference those tires will make in itself. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bemani Posted August 2, 2004 Share Posted August 2, 2004 I wonder if Subaru would still enjoy the level of support they were getting ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EJ20H-TT Posted August 2, 2004 Share Posted August 2, 2004 I think Subaru would have been happier with their exclusive relationship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBE555 Posted August 3, 2004 Author Share Posted August 3, 2004 I'm sure they would, but this says one thing about the Pirellis, they sure are doing a great job with their Gravel tires in particular. Tarmac I believe leaves a hair to be desired in comparison to the Michelin, though part may be car setup and the drivers, two different car setups will show how good the Pirelli truly is. It could be a good thing in a way to show how good the tires are and if the Subaru is lacking in some way to the 307, not taking full potential of it's traction levels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agctr Posted August 3, 2004 Share Posted August 3, 2004 Its hard to say to be honest. Like in F1, a lot of teams went to Michelin because of the realtionship that Bridgestone has with Ferrari. McLaren for example was told that Bridgestone would not be able to offer them the support required as it was all going to Ferrari, hence a lot of teams swapping. It will be interesting to see if the relationship is strained with Peugeot now sharing the tent along side Subaru and others with Pirelli! Then again Pirelli could have done a lot of dealing to get them across to enable further development of the tyres. It will be an interesting few races for the '05 season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.