Bridgestone to “pay particular attention” to Turkey F1 Preparation
Bridgestone will take its hard and soft compound Potenzas to Istanbul this weekend for the Turkish Grand Prix in the knowledge that they face one of the toughest corners for tyres on the current calendar. The toughness off the circuit makes for yet another interesting race in 2010, with only 22 points covering the top eight drivers, a recent surge from the winner of the last two Grands Prix Mark Webber having made him the joint Championship leader with team-mate Sebastian Vettel. Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone director of Motorsport Tyre Development, says: “Istanbul Park has caused us problems in the past so it is a circuit where we pay particular attention to every aspect of our preparation. We have reviewed the tyre strength and durability of our tyres so far this season and we have seen no problems, even though the latest cars are both heavier and faster than previously.
“Turn Eight is the hardest corner we face during the course of the season, however this is not the only part of the track which is a challenge. The left-right-left of turns 12-14 are the lowest speed areas of the track and come straight after the highest-speed straight. This combination is a breeding ground for tyre graining, so competitors will have to pay particular attention here to minimise this, especially early in the race weekend when the circuit is dirtier and has less rubber on it. ”
The F1 tyre supplier describes Istanbul Park Circuit’s Turn Eight as “a gruelling multi-apex left-hander which seemingly never ends”. Bridgestone describes the high energy forces transmitted to all the tyres, though they say the front right in particular will come under most pressure. Istanbul also presents the first circuit of the season to run anti-clockwise, with only a small part of the track is on level ground. The unusual layout and regular gradient changes present drivers with a strong physical challenge.
In addition, the company hopes to use the Grand Prix to further promote business links and a new road safety initiative. Hiroshi Yasukawa, director of Bridgestone Motorsport, says: “The Turkish market is an interesting one for Bridgestone as we have our BRISA joint venture here with the Sabanci Group. Bridgestone BRISA has always been very pro-active with their activation of our Formula One programme and we are pleased to visit the wonderful city of Istanbul. Felipe Massa will be helping to launch a road safety initiative with Bridgestone in this market.”
Related News:
Comments