Bridgestone to race new compounds

The Japanese tyre manufacturer has also responded to an FIA request for teams to have an extreme-weather tyre available and will supply its five teams with such tyres from the Austrian Grand Prix onwards.

"We have had some very productive tests recently and in order to provide the grip needed for Austria we will consequently be taking some new compounds," said Bridgestone technical manager Hisao Suganuma. "These are from the current compound family but have not yet been raced in 2003.

"Although the A1 Ring is very much a stop-and-go circuit because of the number of tight corners, it also provides higher average speeds so we will not only need good grip but also good heat durability.

Our teams have been invited to have an extreme-weather tyre available and Bridgestone welcomes such a move, albeit a temporary solution for this year. The FIA has provided us with guidelines for these tyres and it is understood that they will not be used unless the race director has specifically informed all teams via the timing monitors that the weather conditions necessitate their use."