Bridgestone Blame Rules for Struggle
Bridgestone have blamed their lack of performance with Ferrari this season on the unique demands placed on them by the switch to long-life tyres
The Japanese tyre manufacturer have been left playing catch up against rivals Michelin this season - and the company's director of tyre development Hirohide Hamashima feels that new-for-2005 regulations that outlaw tyre changes in races were to blame for the situation.
"One of the reasons for that situation (Ferrari and Bridgestone's struggles) is this year's dramatic change to the regulations," said Hamashima.
"At first, we concentrated on producing a construction of tyre that had the durability to deal with the regulations. Of course, this is a very important factor, especially from the safety point of view.
"Only once we felt we had reached a satisfactory point in that side of the development, we began to work on the compound side. But this year we have to check the durability of a compound over a distance of around 350 kilometres, whereas last year, over that distance we could have tested three types of compound or specification.
"In effect, having to test a compound over a much greater distance has greatly increased the time it takes to evaluate a tyre compound. That is why it has taken us a long time to develop a new specification and that has delayed our progress."
Bridgestone's tyre development plans were hindered by the fact that they could only conduct serious testing with one front-running team, while Michelin had several leading outfits they could call upon to assist them.
That is why Hamashima has said he is welcoming the arrival of Williams and Toyota next season to help them in testing development next season.
"This is a very important factor," he explained. "The new teams have already indicated that they want to co-operate, not only with us but also with Ferrari as well.
"So their technical directors will all be involved in discussions and I would like to see a sharing of data from testing going on in our trucks. I believe our development speed will get much quicker because of this factor."
Previous article
Honda Still Committed to Breakaway Plans
Next article
Grapevine: Raikkonen Silent on Ferrari Rumours
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
