Australian GP – A More Important Role Than Ever for Bridgestone

This 2009 season rhymes with the return of slick tires in racing. The role of Bridgestone, the official tire supplier in Formula 1, is therefore reinforced.

Also note the appearance of green grooves on the outside of the tires to differentiate the softest tires from other compounds. For this race, Bridgestone will provide ‘Super-Soft’ and ‘Medium’ tires.

Hirohide Hamashima – Director of Bridgestone Motorsport:

« The switch to slick tires is significant, even though Bridgestone has a lot of experience with these tires in other categories. We are confident that we can manage this situation as best as possible. »

« The front/rear balance will be different on the single-seater. The teams will therefore have to work hard to achieve a good setup, especially on the Albert Park track. We will work closely with everyone to achieve this goal. »

« We received numerous requests last season for the difference between the two compounds allocated for each race to be greater. We are responding to this request at the start of this season. »

« More than ever before, the teams will have to think long and hard about how they use their tires, and there will be a great reward for those who make the best choice. »