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Formula 1 Features & Interviews (2006)
F1 Feature - The Yasukawa Interview
03/11/2006
At the end of a Formula 1 season in which a Bridgestone shod team has won nine Grands Prix, and finished second in both the drivers' and constructors' championships, the Director of Bridgestone Motorsport, Hiroshi Yasukawa, reflects on the past, the present and the future.
Your thoughts on the 2006 season?
We expanded from three to five teams in 2006, which gave us a very strong impact, especially with Toyota Racing and WilliamsF1. Of course it was disappointing not to win the World Championship, but all of our teams worked together very well, which allowed us to take a big technological step forward.
Your high point of the year?
It has to be the United States Grand Prix. In 2005 we raced at Indianapolis all by ourselves, but this year we won the race because our engineers produced very good tyres and the car-tyre package was complete. We had a very good qualifying session and race.
Has Bridgestone Motorsport performed better than ever this year?
We have been in Formula 1 for 10 years. Sometimes we have been good, sometimes we have been less competitive; but it's true that this year we have made a very strong impact. Our tyres were very good.
Your feelings about the end of the tyre war?
I am sad that it's coming to an end because competition makes the sport more interesting. It's unfortunate that our rivals want to stop, but we have to accept that situation.
Are you looking forward to the single tyre supply in 2007?
Yes, and we will have two main issues to ensure: fairness and safety. In 2006 our engineers were concerned with just five teams, but from next year that number will expand to 11 teams, which is more than double. Each car will have its own characteristics and we will have to produce suitable tyres for all of the teams.
Will the tyres be different in 2007?
Yes, they will be different to this year and the teams will have to learn how to use the tyres. There is a change in philosophy: in '06 we tried hard to get the tyres to suit the cars, but the reverse will be true next year. The teams will have to work hard to get their cars to suit the tyres.
Your thoughts on Michael Schumacher's retirement?
One side of me is sad that he's going because he is a very good driver. But everybody has to stop at some time and this moment has arrived for him; I have to respect that. Our relationship has been a long one, from when he was driving in Formula 3 and DTM and Formula 3000. Throughout that time we've had a great relationship. I don't know what he'll do next. He's a great person, so I hope to keep a close relationship with him.
In 2007 you are taking over responsibility for MotoGP as well…
Yes, it's going to be a very busy year for me, but I'm looking forward to it. The MotoGP programme won't affect the F1 programme in any way.
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