Turkey preview quotes: Bridgestone

"The championship battle is looking very close but Ferrari has been strong in the second half of this year and Bridgestone is working hard to give them the best possible chance of regaining the championship titles.

"Toyota and Williams too should be chasing podiums now so we are hoping to see a thrilling race next weekend in what is a key market for Bridgestone."

Hisao Suganuma - Technical Manager: "The Istanbul Park circuit is one of the fastest on the calendar. Turn eight is a particularly long and fast corner which can be tough on the tyres. As the circuit is anti-clockwise, the front right tyre can be susceptible to high wear.

"However, what makes this circuit interesting is that the track surface itself is very smooth - similar to Monaco and Montreal - and consequently we require a tyre compound which can provide grip as well as durability. We also need to be prepared for possible high track temperatures.

"Bridgestone's tyres therefore for Turkey will be from the current specification range with medium to soft compounds, which we believe will be well suited and competitive in Turkey next weekend.

"We are now entering a crucial stage of the championship and it is vital that our teams are in a position to take plenty of points and podiums in the remaining five races."