Bridgestone Confident Despite Michelin Dominance

Bridgestone's technical manager Hisao Suganuma is confident their partner teams will be able to close the gap to the Michelin runners in tomorrow's qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Finn Kimi Raikkonen and Scot David Coulthard topped the times with the Michelin-shod McLarens in today's practice, with only the two Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello making into the top 12th for Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone.

Suganuma, however, said he was not worried by their rivals' pace and played down the importance of today's times.

"The apparent gap on paper that we have seen today does not concern me too much because I am confident about the tyre selection we made for this race," said Suganuma. "As everyone knows it is always difficult to know where you stand relative to the opposition on a Friday.

"From a wear point of view, both compounds performed well today and I am pleased about their consistency too. Today's track temperature was in line with what we expected."