Bridgestone Confirm End of Supply for BAR

Bridgestone Motorsport confirmed today that they will not supply the BAR Honda team with tyres for the forthcoming 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship. Bridgestone and BAR have amicably agreed to cease the current supply contract with immediate effect.

BAR have used Bridgestone tyres since entering Formula One in 1999, but the Brackley-based team announced last month that they had requested to use rival Michelin rubber next year. Bridgestone had a contract to supply BAR until the end of the 2004 season.

"Whilst Bridgestone is naturally disappointed not to continue its working relationship with the BAR Formula One team, we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours," said Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Hiroshi Yasukawa in a statement.

BAR Team Principal, David Richards, commented: "We would like to thank Bridgestone for the excellent technical partnership we have enjoyed with them over the past five years. We wish them well for the 2004 Championship and beyond."

In the 2003 World Championship, Michelin supplied tyres to Williams, McLaren, Renault, Jaguar and Toyota, while Bridgestone supplied the other five teams.