Motorcycling-Michelin withdraw from MotoGP, Bridgestone still in

MELBOURNE, Oct 4 (Reuters) - French tyre manufacturer Michelin (MICP.PA) is to pull out of MotoGP after motorcycling's world governing body decided to use a single tyre supplier for the championship from 2009.

The International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) said last month it would allow just a single tyre manufacturer in the premier MotoGP class from next year and expected expressions of interest to be lodged by Oct. 3 at the Australian race at Phillip Island.

Michelin said in a statement on Saturday it had not submitted a bid. In a separate statement, the FIM said it had received a bid from Japanese company Bridgestone Corp (5108.T).

That proposal would be considered at the next MotoGP in Malaysia with a decision expected on Oct. 18, the FIM said. (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Peter Rutherford)