Rossi continues as Bridgestone adviser

Nine times world champion Valentino Rossi has extended his agreement with Bridgestone Europe to act as motorcycle tyre development adviser. As under the previous agreement, Rossi and the tyre maker will work together to, in Bridgestone’s words, “promote the passion of motorcycling to bikers and enthusiasts throughout Europe, directly supporting the Bridgestone ‘track to street’ concept.” Rossi will act alone as a professional rider; his MotoGP team and sponsors are not involved in the deal.

“I’ve been working with Bridgestone in MotoGP for many years and have always been impressed by their professionalism and the quality of their products,” commented Rossi. “Continuing this agreement gives me an exciting opportunity to contribute to new Bridgestone motorcycle road tyres.”

As part of his role, Rossi will provide his evaluation and opinions on the performance of Bridgestone motorcycle tyres, particularly in the hyper-sport, racing and sport touring sectors. In turn, Bridgestone says it will use his input in tyre development to deliver road tyres with better performance and improved safety margins.

“Valentino Rossi is a great ambassador for our company,” stated Franco Annunziato, CEO and president, Bridgestone Europe. “With the extension of our agreement, we have secured advice and recommendations from one of the greatest motorcycle competitors of all times, thereby ensuring that we bring the best new Battlax tyres to market.”

Valentino Rossi has world championships in 125cc, 250cc and 500cc categories under his belt and has been MotoGP world champion on six occasions. The Italian also holds the all-time record in the top category, with 79 race victories.

Bridgestone entered MotoGP in 2002 and riders using Bridgestone tyres stood on the podium in the tyre manufacturer’s second season in the series, before taking the chequered flag twice in 2004. After steadily expanding its team portfolio, the first world championship title on Bridgestone tyres came in 2007 and then again in 2008, with Valentino Rossi and the Fiat Yamaha team. In 2009, Bridgestone became the first official tyre supplier to the MotoGP World Championship.

Bridgestone shared its 100th MotoGP victory at the San Marino and Rimini Grand Prix at Misano, Italy, in September 2012. The tyre maker celebrated the milestone with a special event at the circuit for all those involved in MotoGP and thanked the millions of racing fans around the world for their support over the years.