Bridgestone announces tyre specifications

Bridgestone has produced four different types of tyres for 2007: super soft, soft, medium and hard.

The Japanese company, who supplies the entire field this year, will use the soft and medium compounds in this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

"During our winter preparations we had some idea which tyres to use," said the company's head of track engineering Kees van de Grint.

"We then used winter testing, from December until the end of February, to confirm our thoughts. With the Australia spec for example, we changed from what we expected and moved one step softer."

After a change to regulations last week, the two specifications of dry tyre at each race will be visibly distinguishable from one another.

Van de Grint admitted the company was surprised by the late decision.

"It did surprise us a little bit that the decision was made so late but we have always said that we would try to support the FIA's decisions. It does mean more work but it should not be too difficult.

"It will provide extra information so the media can see and inform the spectators and the public and I think it's of benefit to the sport."

Tyre compounds for first five Grands Prix:

           Super Soft     Soft        Medium          Hard
Australia                   X            X
Malaysia                                 X              X
Bahrain                                  X              X
Spain                                    X              X
Monaco        X             X