Bridgestone to Supply F1 Control Tyre for 2008 Season

Bridgestone has been named as the sole tyre supplier for the Formula One world championship starting in 2008. In a widely anticipated move, the World Motor Sport Council named the Japanese manufacturer as control tyre supplier at a meeting on 5 July.

Bridgestone was also designated the sole tyre supplier for the sport in 2007 due to the withdrawal of Michelin at the end of the current season. Michelin has consistently refused to supply a single-supplier F1, saying it would be counter-productive.

Mr. Shoshi Arakawa, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President of the Bridgestone Corporation commented: “Bridgestone is delighted to have been selected as the sole Official Tyre Supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship for the seasons of 2008 to 2010. Bridgestone is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tyres and rubber products and we are very proud that it has been chosen to supply tyres to one of the highest levels of global motorsport.

“Since entering Formula One in 1997, Bridgestone has remained committed to supplying the teams and drivers with safe and competitive tyres. We have also relished the technical challenges that we have been presented with during this time. Following this recent announcement our hope and aim is for all parties competing in Formula One and for the sport itself to benefit from our long-term involvement.

“Not only does it provide us with a global platform for promoting our brand but it also enables us to continue to promote our messages of tyre and road safety both on racing tracks and on normal roads.”

The World Motor Sport Council also named Microsoft MES as the official ECU supplier to Formula One starting in 2008.