I think the idea of 18inch primarily came from the hope that Michelin would be the supplier.
Afterall they supply sportscar teams with such tyres. However, i think what is more likley would be a compramise between 13inch and 18inch, something like maybe the 15inch we saw with champcar? Bridgestone supplied them tyres and im sure Michelin could accomodate.
I think there is a chance for more than 2 suppliers next year, and I hope so! But then again ive enjoyed the teams being so equal every race, and the winner of the race was often the best team rather than the best tyre.
A larger wheel diameter will certainly look much better! But yeah I wonder how a change could effect the smaller teams. As the article says, the suspension and gearbox changes are going to be huge! I would prefer F1 to stick with the current 2011 regulations (with an much less restricted KERS) for at least 3 seasons to let the teams who will survive, survive and the teams who will die, die.
"Trulli was slowing down like he wanted to have a picnic" LOL