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Formula 1 Features & Interviews (2007)
F1 Feature - Bridgestone's Role Wins Universal Praise
04/09/2007
With five races to go, one of the most thrilling World Championship battles Formula One has seen in years is set for an explosive climax.
Rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton leads by five points from his McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso, the reigning double champion.
But the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen are also still very much in contention, at just 15 and 16 points respectively adrift of Hamilton following their impressive one-two finish in Turkey.
Any of the McLaren Mercedes or Ferrari drivers are in a position to take the world championship title, with the contest set to go down to the wire in Brazil on October 21.
Unlike in previous years, however, there will be no debate about tyres having too great an influence on the outcome of the championship - all four drivers know they will be getting the same treatment from Bridgestone in its role as sole tyre supplier to F1.
“The FIA wanted to take away one of the factors affecting the World Championship and we have managed to do that,” said Kees van de Grint, Bridgestone’s Head of Track Engineering Operations.
With 22 years experience of Bridgestone in varied motorsport arenas including Formula 3, Le Mans and DTM, the Dutchman was the ideal person to oversee Bridgestone’s F1 role as sole tyre supplier.
“In past years, if we did a better job then we would win the race. If someone else did a better job then we would probably not win,” says van de Grint matter of factly.
“Now there are two main factors influencing the result of the race: the driver and the aerodynamics.”
“Of course, it is down to the teams to get the best use from the two specifications of Potenza tyres we provide for each race,” says van de Grint.
“We will still see different strategies by the teams and on what stints they use the various compounds in the remaining races, but the main factors now are the driver and how the car is set-up.”
“Bridgestone still has an important role to play in F1 and we are determined to continue producing a safe, competitive tyre to all the teams. But we will always ensure that all the racing teams receive the same level of commitment and attention from us”
As Bridgestone nears its first year as sole supplier and with the team busy working flat out preparing for Monza, the next round of the globe-trotting F1 calendar, van de Grint says he has been delighted at the feedback from all 11 teams this year.
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