SAUBER PETRONAS made a surprise revelation today when the Swiss-based outfit announced that they are switching to French tire manufacturer Michelin from next year onwards.

Although the move was expected in the past, the switch for next year was somewhat a surprise considering that Bridgestone teams, particularly Ferrari, had enjoyed more successes this year than Michelin.

Despite their six-year cooperation and Bridgestone’s recent introduction of new tire compounds, Sauber was said to be immensely frustrated with their qualifying package complaining the rubber could not deliver its best potential within the one-lap qualifying window.

With the new switch, SAUBER PETRONAS also announced that they will conduct its first test with Michelin tyres between November 24 and 26 in Barcelona.

Peter Sauber said: “I’m very pleased that we were able to sign this contract with Michelin and I’m looking forward to a successful co-operation. At the same time I would like to thank Bridgestone for a good partnership during the past six years.”

Pierre Dupasquier, Head of Michelin Group’s Competition Operations, commented: “As we demonstrated in 2004, our technology makes a significant contribution to the performance of Formula One cars equipped by Michelin. I look forward to enabling SAUBER PETRONAS to benefit from this progress.”

Aside from wanting to qualify higher as demonstrated by BAR-Honda when they made the switch last year, the move from Bridgestone was also seen as to steer as further away from Ferrari as possible, evident when they recently announced to be using their own gearbox for next year’s car.