Dupasquier leaves F1 in winning mood

Pierre Dupasquier, the Michelin Motorsport Director, can say goodbye to the F1 at the top. Pierre Dupasquier, who retires at the end of this season, has led Michelin’s motorsport division for 28 years – a veritable eternity in a domain where the pace of change is so intense.

He has managed the department with an iron fist in a velvet glove – but above all he has done so with an impish smile and a sense of humour, assets that have made him a tremendously popular figure in paddocks and service areas all around the world.

Michelin and its seven teams have absolutely dominated the F1 campaign, winning 18 of the 19 races, recording 18 pole positions and setting 16 fastest laps. Its partners have taken 47 podium finishes from a possible 57 and scored 619 of the 741 available points.
Michelin has achieved its F1 title double in the first year of revised regulations that obliged drivers to use a single set of tyres for qualifying and a full race distance of about 300 kilometres (186 miles). During a 19-event campaign on five continents, Michelin’s tyres have provided unrivalled performance and consistency. In today’s finale, all seven Michelin teams scored championship points.

Pierre Dupasquier, Michelin Motorsport Director “I'd like to congratulate Flavio Briatore and the whole Renault team on their s econd F1 title success. They have put together a fantastic package that has given them a vital edge over the course of the season. Fernando Alonso drove an absolutely faultless race today. He is extremely fast when he needs to be but understands how to manage his speed over a race distance – we have seen that many times this year.
It would also be fitting to compliment all our partners for their contributions during what has been an incredible year for Michelin. I might be retiring at the end of the season, but I will leave with many warm memories of an exceptional farewell campaign. Michelin won't rest on its laurels, however. Our team will be hard at work again by Tuesday as it seeks to do it all again in 2006. To them and all our partners, I offer my very best wishes for the future.” Nick Shorrock, director of Michelin F1 activities “What can I say? This was another fantastic demonstration by Michelin and its teams. I'd like to endorse Pierre's comments by extending my congratulations to Renault and my sincere thanks to all our partners, who have contributed to such a successful season.
Our tyres performed very impressively again today. There was inevitably a period during which pressures dropped off in the wake of two lengthy Safety Car interruptions during a relatively short period, but our tyres met all the necessary safety criteria without performance being compromised. All seven partners scored points today – a neat way to end a fabulous year.”

Edouard Michelin, Michelin chairman and CEO “This has been an absolutely unforgettable season for Michelin. More than ever, our company has demonstrated its ability to adapt to any circumstance in any form of motorsport, on two wheels or four. I would like to congratulate all of Michelin’s partners who have contributed to a glorious chapter in Michelin’s competition history – a tale that stretches back 117 years.”

Patrick Faure, President, Renault F1 Team “I’d like to offer a vote of thanks to Michelin. Its products have demonstrated clear superiority throughout the year – a clear indication that it is the best tyre company presently competing in F1. Michelin is also a partner of our main rival Team McLaren Mercedes and we have enjoyed a fantastic battle for the constructors’ battle – something that wasn’t settled until today’s seasonal finale. It is appropriate that Michelin – a French company – should have played a key part in its compatriot Renault’s success.”

Flavio Briatore, Renault MD “When you win a world championship, it is clear indication that everything is working very well as a package – the drivers, the chassis, the crew and the tyres. The latter play a fundamental role and Michelin has demonstrated this year that it has the upper hand. There was an epic fight between Renault and McLaren for the constructors’ title. Even though Michelin knew it was assured of success either way, our success today is the culmination of a joint effort – and that is an important factor.”