Tyre maker Michelin has attacked Formula One bosses for reintroducing tyre changes for the 2006 season as it goes against attempts to cut costs. The decision has been made by FIA chief Max Mosley, who has been at loggerheads with Michelin since the US Grand Prix.
Michelin prompted a 14-car pull-out at Indianapolis because of safety fears.
In a statement on Friday, Michelin claimed the move "is incoherent with the cost reduction objectives sought by the FIA president".
They added that it "is a step backwards in regards to the 2005 regulations presented, at the time, by the FIA solely for cost reduction purposes."
 |  This...illustrates F1's problems of incoherent decision-making and lack of transparency |
After the US Grand Prix Mosley was highly critical of Michelin, and soon after he announced plans to end the tyre war in Formula One by bringing in a single manufacturer. That plan was approved for the 2007 season this week.
Michelin are strongly against the plan and say that, unlike rivals Bridgestone, they have no interest in being the sole tyre supplier to F1.
And Michelin has made a barely-concealed accusation that Mosley has favoured Bridgestone, whose performance suffered when tyre changes were banned.
The company's statement added: "We can only question the meaning behind this decision.
"It negates all of the benefits of Michelin's research in 2005 to design a tyre capable of running for 350km (217 miles), allowing its partners to win 18 races throughout the year.
"Michelin, therefore, questions the FIA's hidden motivations for the 2006 F1 regulation.
"Once again, this event illustrates F1's problems of incoherent decision-making and lack of transparency."
MMIX
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