According to a German tabloid, the McLaren Mercedes Racing Team is currently in talks with Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone.  Speculators think the switch from their current tire manufacturer Michelin to Bridgestone is due to the team's belief that a control tire would be good for the sport.

Michelin on the other hand has argued against control tires, and has stated they're not interested in the sport if there's no rival tire manufacturers.  The McLaren Mercedes Racing Team is now the fourth team linked with Bridgestone, including Red Bull, Williams and Toyota.

I have to admit, I'm not a die-hard of the sport, but I do watch races and stay up to date on F1 news. I find it difficult to understand how a sport that's based on pushing the limits of technology is even considering control tires.  Although most teams support the tires, I simply see it as a way to cut costs by saving on research and development.  Can someone please tell me how this helps the sport?

You can view the McLaren and Bridgestone story here.