Bridgestone to finalise tyres

Bridgestone are set to finalise their tyre selections for the opening races next week after what have been described as 'productive tests' in Barcelona with world champion Michael Schumacher last week.

David Cameron Feb 19, 2005, 6:42 AM

"We have had two very productive dry tyre tests in Spain where the weather enabled us to get some good long distance runs in, providing us with plenty of data," Bridgestone's Technical Manager Hisao Suganuma noted today. "I am encouraged by our work, and we are nearing the point of making our final tyre choice decisions with the teams. However, we do have time before departing for Melbourne, so we shall be making the most of it."

Bridgestone also ran a wet test with Schumacher last Monday in Valencia, which Suganuma described as "efficient".

All three Bridgestone teams are set to run final tests to confirm the shape, construction and compound of their tyres - Ferrari will return to Valencia on Monday, Jordan will run in Silverstone, and Minardi are testing this weekend in Imola.