Search begins for F1's 2011 tyre supplier

Michelin and Goodyear, the most recent tyre brands in formula one, have played down suggestions they might take over from Bridgestone as F1's exclusive supplier in 2011 and beyond.

A spokeswoman for Michelin's North American headquarters said the French company is not interested in returning to formula one, after it pulled out at the end of the 'tyre war' era three years ago and then rowed with the governing FIA.

The American brand Goodyear left F1 at the end of 1998, following an ultra-successful three decades on the grid.

"We have no plans to re-enter F1," spokesman Ed Markey told the Akron Beacon Journal, which like Goodyear is based in Akron, Ohio.

"However, we continually evaluate a wide range of opportunities to determine the best fit for our strategic direction and make decisions based on the best interests of the company," he added.

Other reports said the Italian tyre maker Pirelli, having shown interest in obtaining the 2008-2010 tender, is also not likely to be interested in returning to F1.