PARIS (April 27)—The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, the governing body that rules Formula One racing, is proposing naming a single tire supplier to the international racing series starting in 2008, according to proposed changes to the series' operating regulations.
This would mark the first time in the 54-year history of the "modern" Formula One that its organizers have mandated a "spec" tire for the series. Formula One is staging 18 races in 16 countries on five continents this year, with both Bridgestone Corp. and Groupe Michelin supplying tires.
The new proposals would limit teams to only two sets of tires per weekend per car—vs. 40 dry weather tires and 28 wet weather tires currently—and would rule out tire changes during race pit stops, except in the event of punctures. Also being considered is a change to the tire/wheel widths—narrower in the front and wider in the rear.
The FIA disclosed the proposals as core to its intention to overhaul Formula One in an effort to reduce costs and increase competition.