New tires for F1

Bridgestone, which equips the stables of Formula 1 in tires since 1997, will withdraw at the end of the 2010 season. The Japanese firm, after experiencing competition from Michelin between 2001 and 2006, had become the only manufacturer since the withdrawal of the French company. Bridgestone announces its withdrawal even though the firm has been involved in 156 Grand Prix victories, and ten world titles in the drivers' and manufacturers' championships. Since 2008 and until the end of next season, Bridgestone has been the official supplier of the Formula 1 world championship.

"CIt was a great honor for Bridgestone to be awarded the 2008-2010 contract as official tire supplier by the Fédération International de l'Automobile (FIA) for the premier single-seater category., says Hiroshi Yasukawa, director of Bridgestone Motorsport. We would like to thank them for their unconditional support and for entrusting us with this privileged role. »

« Formula 1 has been of strategic importance for Bridgestone in terms of the development of its technologies. Today, we must redirect our resources towards the development of new innovative technologies and strategic products. »

The FIA ​​will therefore have to launch a call for tenders so that a new manufacturer joins Formula 1 by 2011. If F1 may seem to be a strategic investment sector in terms of exposure and technical requirements, Bridgestone's withdrawal is the third largest after GoodYear in 1998 and Michelin in 2006.