FORUMula1.com

[bud]

Few rewards supplying spec-rubber
F1's sole supplier of tyres on Monday announced its decision to pull out of the sport after the 2010 season.

2010 marks the third year of Bridgestone's exclusive supply contract with formula one, and a media statement said the Bridgestone Corporation in Japan decided not to seek an extension.

A disappointed Hiroshi Yasukawa, boss of the company's motor racing programme, said the decision was about the redirection of "resources towards the further intensive development of innovative technologies and strategic products".



Bridgestone entered F1 in 1997 in competition with Goodyear, and later pitted its products against Michelin's.

It was the only supplier in 2007, then entering a contract to be the sole official supplier between 2008-2010.

i am surprised by this. So who will be the replacement?

[Hanwombat]

Yeah Ive just seen

[Juliet P]

That's unexpected!

[The Oz]

So who'll replace them? or will there just be wheels and no tyres?

[nish2280]

Why dont they just wrap bits of neslon piquet JR around the tyres?

[Juliet P]

Why dont they just wrap bits of neslon piquet JR around the tyres?

A bit harsh!

[bud]

I doubt it will be Michelin unless there is more than one tyre make involved.. maybe Dunlop?

[Selcouth_Feline]

Maybe Goodyear? I have no idea though.

Maybe we'll even see multiple tyre manufacturers again?

[yamashek]

What a big surprise...and quite a shocking one too...


It could be Goodyear or even Kumho...

But nonetheless, how likely are we going to see Michelin?

The tyre issue is going to mess up the field again!
ie. most of the fundamental designs of the car are based on the Bridgestone rubber...and making that switch to Michelin...hmmm

[Jensonb]

What a big surprise...and quite a shocking one too...


It could be Goodyear or even Kumho...

But nonetheless, how likely are we going to see Michelin?

The tyre issue is going to mess up the field again!
ie. most of the fundamental designs of the car are based on the Bridgestone rubber...and making that switch to Michelin...hmmm

Bridgestone have given fair warning, it's early enough that they haven't started designing the affected cars.

As to the likely replacement...Goodyear, Avon or Cooper would seem to be the candidates for a control tyre. Michelin don't want to be a control tyre, which is a shame because Michelin are awesome.

[Denthúl]

Hm. If Bridgestone aren't replaced by two or more tyre manufacturers, I'll be disappointed. We need to go back to the days where there were two different brands having advantages at different tracks.

[Gaz]

Hm. If Bridgestone aren't replaced by two or more tyre manufacturers, I'll be disappointed. We need to go back to the days where there were two different brands having advantages at different tracks.

i don't like that its better with one make its more equal less of a lottery.

[bud]

yeah i prefer one tyre make its a lot fairer.

[Juliet P]

Two words: Indianapolis 2005

[Gaz]

Two words: Indianapolis 2005

thats one word and a number.