Formula One news

Sauber switch surprised chief

F1 principal Tony Purnell was surprised when Swiss team Sauber announced it would switch from Bridgestone to Michelin rubber in 2005.

The Red Bull, formerly Jaguar, chief said the bombshell could indicate that a French company based at Clermont-Ferrand produces the best tyres in grand prix racing -- even if its rival won more grands prix.

"Sauber's switch threw me a little bit," Purnell admitted. "Jaguar have never run on Bridgestones, so I don't know, but if you look at the flipside ... Michael Schumacher and Ferrari walked away with the (2004) championship."

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