Minardi set for tyre change

Bridgestone will have one more team in 2003

The Minardi Formula One team are set to switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres for the coming season.

Michelin motorsport head Pierre Dupasquier said: "As far as I am aware, Minardi will be with Bridgestone. There is nothing between Minardi and us."

Dupasquier added that it would be difficult for Michelin to supply Minardi now as it had not factored the team into its plans for the season starting in Australia on 9 March.

Minardi, who pay for their tyre supply, will need to have agreed a deal by next week.

That is when they are planning to have thir first test of the year at Valencia in Spain next week with Briton Justin Wilson and Dutchman Jos Verstappen in last year's car.

Tyre manufacturers can supply a maximum of six teams and Michelin will be left with five - exactly half of the grid - if Minardi switch to the Japanese brand.