Nick Shorrock, Michelin’s competitions manager offered the information to the aforementioned source, explaining that the company has approached the FIA in order to show its intentions of coming back to WRC.
Michelin pulled out from WRC after the 2005 season, still offering tires for the 2006 and 2007 championships under its BF Goodrich brand. Subsequently, Pirelli became the exclusive WRC tire supplier. However, Michelin didn’t completely part ways with rallying. The company remained involved in the sport, as its BF Goodrich brand was present in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) since 2007.
“There's a process involved with the FIA and the first part of that process is to inform the FIA that we want to supply tyres. We have done that and I can confirm it is Michelin [not BF Goodrich] which we hope will be competing in the WRC,” the executive told the aforementioned source.
"Now we have to wait until September 13, when the FIA will let us know the tyre companies which are to be permitted to supply tyres. And then we have to find out if anybody wants to run with our tyres," he added.
Of course the move would also affect Pirelli, which has not announced if it plans to stay in the series or not. The tire maker is currently weighing its options and is expected to release a statement soon.
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