This hasn't been mentioned here yet, but it was published late last week >on Atlas-Autosport..>

"During Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix a rather disturbing rumour reached >this column, via a source deep within Ferrari: that the Japanese >company's tyre development had totally stagnated during the European >winter. In fact, stated the informant, Bridgestone had undertaken no >development at all during the off-season...">

The thought being that the only development work they were doing was for >the F2005, on which Bridgestone's recent statement of apology was >consistent.>

In fact, stated the informant, Bridgestone had undertaken no > development at all during the off-season..."

Let me wildy speculate then. ­> It is well known that the FIA would like only 1 tyre supplier to> formula 1. This would let them slow down the cars without having> to resort to engine or aero changes. With one tyre supplier,> the FIA could simply ask them to supply a tyre which was quick> but not tooo quick, thus keeping lap times constant.>

What is also well known is that both tyre companies have been> asked by the FIA if they would like to be the one that quits F1.>

Now that Bridgestone is down to supplying only 1 team that really> counts, the lack of tyre development is the first step in getting> out at the end of this year.