Formula 1 and Bridgestone Head to Silverstone

Formula One is coming to Silverstone on the weekend of 7-8 July. The British Grand Prix, round nine of the FIA Formula One World Championship, will see Bridgestone’s medium and hard compound Potenzas put through their paces on the circuit’s high-speed layout and abrasive surfaces. With rain featuring strongly in recent UK weather patterns Bridgestone’s wet and extreme wet Potenzas may also get their chance to come into play.

Bridgestone Motorsport head of Track Engineering Operations Kees van de Grint has spoken about the upcoming British Grand Prix:

What are the challenges of the Silverstone circuit?

“Although the circuit is not as fast as it used to be it is still a very fast track with an average speed over the lap of 230 kph. The majority of the lap is very fast and in top gears so cars require fast corner stability and the tyres need to have good heat and wear resistance, which is why we will bring the hardest tyres in our range. The whole lap is not high speed however, as the lower speed complex at the end of the lap is where time can be lost or found. Tyre grip and minimizing graining will be deciding factors here.”

Does Silverstone have any special significance for Bridgestone?

“Silverstone is the home of British motorsport and it is also a second home for Bridgestone Motorsport ,as well as a home for many of our employees. We will see many of our non-trackside staff in attendance for this event and it is a special occasion for us. Silverstone is also the location for many of Bridgestone Motorsport’s successes in the early days of its existence in junior formulas like F2 and F3.”