McLaren announce switch to Michelin

McLaren will switch to Michelin tyres in 2002 after four years with Japanese rivals Bridgestone, the Formula One team said on Tuesday.

The long-expected announcement puts Mercedes-powered McLaren on the same tyres as resurgent rivals Williams, who use BMW engines.

Jaguar, Renault, Prost, Minardi and Toyota are also Michelin teams.

World champions Ferrari remain on Bridgestone, as do Jordan, BAR, Sauber and Arrows.

McLaren said in a statement they had entered into a long-term agreement with Michelin, the French manufacturer who returned to the sport this season and who already work with Mercedes on road cars.

The Woking-based team have used Michelin previously, winning the 1994 constructors' and drivers' world championships with them and a total of 17 race wins.

McLaren were runners-up this season after winning the drivers' world championship on Bridgestone in 1998 and 1999 and the constructors' title in 1998.

They won 27 races with the Japanese firm.

GREATEST RESPECT

"I have the greatest respect for the Michelin company and its sporting achievements and believe that we can win world championships together in the future," said McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh.

"We are confident that the technical programme envisaged by our respective engineering teams will enable us to achieve a highly competitive partnership."

Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug thanked Bridgestone and said Michelin's achievements in their comeback season -- they won four races with Williams -- "promises a lot of potential for the future."

"It is great that McLaren and DaimlerChrysler have rejoined the Michelin family," said Michelin motorsport boss Pierre Dupasquier.

"Whilst we are very pleased with what we have achieved this year in Formula One, and are very optimistic for next year, the involvement of a team with the record and skills of McLaren can only increase our optimism."