Bridgestone have announced they are leaving F1 at the end of the 2010 season, meaning that a new tyre supplier must be found. However, it seems like we may already have a strong case for Michelin returning to F1 in 2011 for the first time since they left in 2006, leaving Bridgestone as the sole supplier.

According to Bloomberg, Michelin managing partner Jean-Dominique Senard said the French manufacturer is holding “formal discussions” with the FIA over returning to F1 in 2011.

Senard stated during an interview:

“We might consider returning but there are some very clear conditions.” These conditions include a change of tyre use regulations to “show the performance they can bring, notably in terms of fuel saving and CO2 reductions.”

Jean-Dominique Senard

These conditions suggest that Michelin would like more emphasis placed on tire performance and to highlight their “Green X” program and line of tires which reduce rolling resistance and increase mileage.

It is not only Michelin who would like to implement more environmentally-friendly schemes in Formula 1; FIA president Jean Todt also shares that view:

“I am convinced that we absolutely must reflect the environment with new technologies.

“We must adapt to our time and review fundamentally motorsport – even create new disciplines.”

Jean Todt

With Michelin and the FIA sharing the same standpoint on green initiatives, it appears that the French tyre manufacturer is in pole position to supply F1’s tyres in 2011.