Bridgestone: No problems with tyres
Bridgestone is confident that the gap in the bridge section of the Valencia circuit will cause no problems for its tyres this weekend, despite concerns about punctures before the event
The Japanese tyre manufacturer's director of motorsport tyre development Hirohide Hamashima wrote to FIA safety delegate Charlie Whiting on Thursday expressing concern about the gap and vertical difference between the bridge section on the track and the part leading up to it.
He was worried that the height difference could cause an impact on the tyres that may result in causing punctures.
However, with Whiting optimistic that the matter would not become an issue because the characteristic was no different to what cars experience going over normally kerbs, Hamashima has said he is happy to report no dramas after the first day of practice.
"The gap on the bridge was completely no problem. It was overconcern by me," explained Hamashima.
"Charlie said that the gap in kerbs are much bigger than the gap on the bridge, so anyway he said wait and see - and it has all been okay. At the moment the tyres have no problem, no damage, so we are very happy."
Hamashima said that Bridgestone engineers had rigorously checked the tyres after the sessions today to see if there was any damage, and nothing that could worry them was found.
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Jon Noble: An unfair perception or a genuine concern? Lifting the lid on Red Bull’s Tsunoda scepticism
What’s behind Norris’ top-speed issue in Baku – and why McLaren itself is down on Mercedes
Verstappen reveals why Red Bull's engine problem in Baku was different than it seemed
How Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
Hamilton frustrated after late Ferrari qualifying strategy change: ‘I towed Charles the whole time’
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments