CLERMONT-FERRAND, France (June 17)—Groupe Michelin plans to send its BFGoodrich brand into the World Rally Championship in 2006, replacing the Michelin brand´s involvement in the racing series.
Michelin said the decision strengthens BFGoodrich´s racing involvement in the Rally Raid World Cup, the Dakar Rally and several North American competitions. Michelin, which won 36 World Rally Championship titles, continues to participate in Formula 1, MotoGP and international endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of LeMans. The Michelin brand will compete in the World Rally series through this season's end, a spokeswoman said.
The WRC comprises 16 rallies—on terrain including gravel, tarmac, snow and dirt—held around the world each year. Participants compete for the shortest overall time.