Tyre battle more competitive says Brawn

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn believes the competition between the tyre manufacturers is much closer this season and it's the reason why Ferrari is not as dominant as it was in 2002. Of course, the recent twist in that battle is the FIA's announcement that tyre width will now be measured after the race as well as before it, which has given Michelin a pause for thought. However, that aside, the fight between the French manufacturer and Bridgestone is close.

"Last year we had the best of all three elements by a reasonable margin," Brawn told The Guardian newspaper. "This year we still have the best driver. We've got a better car than last year, but it's impossible to judge now with the competition with the other tyre company whether you can say the Ferrari is the best car. We've got a much more competitive tyre situation."

While the controversy of the FIA's decision continues, some believe the close competition is less that Michelin is bending the rules a little too far and more that Bridgestone has compromised itself by concentrating its efforts on Ferrari. It's not uncommon to have the two Ferrari's the only Bridgestone runners near the front, while BAR, Sauber, Jordan and Minardi are midfield and backmarkers.

Of course, tyres are not the only factors in competitiveness but with Bridgestone focusing on Ferrari, the manufacturer is narrowing its avenues of possibility. Michelin, on the other hand, has McLaren, Williams and Renault all at the sharp end of the field.

"If Michelin have a huge advantage, it is because they can work with two top teams like McLaren and Williams," said Jordan director of race and test engineering Gary Anderson, who's team also run on Bridgestones. "Bridgestone can only count on Ferrari and so it is easier for them to take the wrong direction in development."

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