By Jamie Makin
December 3 2004

Michelin's biggest fear when they agreed to supply the Ferrari-powered SAUBER PETRONAS team with tyres was that their performance data would be leaked back to rivals Bridgestone via their top team, Ferrari. Although Peter Sauber gave his word that this would not happen, Michelin has decided to add their own level of assurance by placing several restritions on SAUBER's test activities.

Felipe Massa was Ferrari's test driver during the 2003 season and stayed on for several more tests during the 2004 season. Michelin will no longer allow him to test part time for the Scuderia even though he is under a long-term contract with the team.

The other restriction is that SAUBER will be forbidden to test at Fiorano, the private track situated next to Ferrari's factory in Maranello. This will not likely be a hardship for SAUBER though, as they only conducted one brief test there last season after the Italian Grand Prix.

One thing is for certain, the decision for SAUBER to switch to Michelin is a clear indicator that they are moving away from being so dependent on Ferrari's technical assistance. Peter Sauber most likely knew there would be consequences and is confident that the team now has what it needs to move forward on their own.

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