Bridgestone back Sepang tyre choice

During last week's test at Sepang, Bridgestone worked with the medium and hard tyres they will take to the race this weekend, and some drivers complained that the grip difference between the two compounds was too big.

Van der Grint says, however, that Bridgestone are 100% behind their selection for the second race of the season, and he expects no problems during the weekend.

"From the tyre point of view, it was clear the medium has good grip," van der Grint told autosport.com.

"Taking into account that this circuit is hard on tyres, degradation was not as bad as expected so for that reason we are very pleased. Let's say we have seen a lot higher figures in the competition days.

"Maybe the hard tyres were a bit too hard - they could have been better with more grip - but that is a very strict observation. Both compounds did cope well with the high temperatures and both are solid products. I am 100% behind our selection."

With the usual rainstorms hitting Sepang during last week's test, Bridgestone also got the chance to work with their wet weather tyres, and van der Grint admits they were pleased with their performance.

"The rain tyres were good too," he added. "It is not so difficult to get the heat into the tyres here, and the way the track dries up so quickly, and correct judgement, should it rain, will be very crucial for the strategy, not only from the the teams but also from the drivers.

"The teams must have learned from this test about the changes over time, and how each driver will cope in ever changing conditions... it will be quite exciting. I know they all wanted to run in the dry but you cannot dismiss the wet conditions here."