“The company is in discussion with the relevant parties and cannot comment further at this stage,” said a statement from Avon Cooper, who also revealed that it was Ecclestone who approached them for a potential deal in 2011 in the first place.
UK-based company Avon, which was sold to Cooper back in 1997, is no stranger from motorsport competitions, as it used to supply the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport with racing rubber during their 4-year existence.
Avon Cooper also seems to be more preferred by Ecclestone for the 2011 edition of the Formula One championship rather than Michelin for at least two reasons. The French company, although carrying a vast experience in motorsport competitions, wants the F1 & teams to pay for their tires, while also “pushing for regulations allowing much lower profile tires,” as noted by the GMM news agency.
Ecclestone doesn't want the Formula One Management (FOM) to pay for the tires, but the costs to be supported by the teams. Consequently, the teams' incomes will be affected in 2011 in case Michelin comes in, a situation that is certainly not favored not only by the big teams, but especially by the new, low-financed ones.
Additionally, it has been widely rumored that Bridgestone is considering taking a backstage role in Formula One in 2011, under the form of non-official supplier of technology and personnel to Avon.
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