BAR is sticking with Bridgestone

The Brackley-based team will join Ferrari, Jordan, Sauber and Arrows in using Bridgestone tyres next season after inking an extension of its current deal this week.

McLaren are thus far the only F1 team to have swapped tyre suppliers for 2002, announcing earlier this month that it would join Williams, Renault, Jaguar, Prost, Minardi and newcomers Toyota in using Michelin tyres next year.

BAR team principal Craig Pollock said: "I am extremely pleased to make this announcement. Tyre development and technology are critical to the sport and I believe that the continuity of our partnership will yield the competitive advantage the team needs to fulfill its racing ambitions."

Bridgestone's motorsport director, Hiroshi Yasukawa, said that he was pleased to have BAR's continuing support.

"The last three years have been challenging for BAR, but the team's hard work paid off with two podium finishes in 2001. Bridgestone will be working closely with the team to help it achieve even greater success in 2002," he added.