Bridgestone Respond to Stoddart's Protest

Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has responded to Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart claiming they are not supplying tyres to the small Anglo-Italian squad for "legal and insurance reasons".

Stoddart said on Thursday he will launch a complaint with Formula One's governing body against Bridgestone for "breach of its obligations". Stoddart was left fuming after Minardi were forced to use Formula 3000 tyres in testing for the second day running after the Formula One team failed to finalise a deal with Bridgestone, Japan's largest tyre maker.

Minardi, the smallest and poorest team on the grid, have been talking to World Champion Ferrari's suppliers Bridgestone since October. Bridgestone, who currently supply only four of the 10 teams, are bound to supply Minardi but the team also have to pay for the tyres.

Bridgestone, however, said that until all the formalities have been completed, they will not provide Minardi with tyres.

"Bridgestone received a request from the Minardi team regarding the supply of tyres for the forthcoming season in October 2002 and this request was carefully considered," said Bridgestone in a statement. "During this time, Minardi continued to test with tyres supplied by Bridgestone's rival. Bridgestone subsequently explained its situation to the Minardi team.

"Following a second enquiry seen by Bridgestone in the New Year, Bridgestone agreed to reconsider Minardi's request and sent a proposal to the team for the supply of tyres for the 2003 season. Negotiations between the two parties are currently taking place.

"However, for legal and insurance reasons, until all formalities have been completed it will not be possible to supply Bridgestone tyres. Bridgestone is looking forward to a successful conclusion to the negotiations with Minardi."