Michelin hits back at Brawn

French tyre manufacturer Michelin has responded to allegations made by Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn in Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport by issuing a letter to the editor of the publication. Brawn claimed Michelin's tyres are illegal and have been for some time; naturally Michelin took a dim view of such comments. The manufacturer requested the newspaper rectify the situation as it is not for Brawn to decide what is or isn't legal.

The letter reiterated Michelin's stance that its tyres have been legal since they were introduced in 2001 and states that it will try to conform to the new tyre ruling. But the manufacturer still feels that not enough time was given before the Italian Grand Prix.

In regard to comments by Brawn, the letter stated: "By making Ross Brawn's mistaken declaration the title of your article, you are misleading your readers and it is not for Ross Brawn to decide the legality of Michelin's tyres. We therefore request that you rectify this information, remembering that Ross Brawn's grievances are highly prejudicial to Michelin."

"Michelin is saddened to see the great house of Ferrari involved in such false accusations. Michelin would like to remind you that it won its first F1 Grand Prix in 1978 in Rio and its first world title in 1979, both with the Ferrari team, a team for which Michelin has always had the greatest respect."

As a final reminder as to how seriously it takes the situation, Michelin concluded that legal action may be considered: "Michelin of course reserves the right to take legal action following the slanderous remarks of the Ferrari team-member."