Bridgestone 'trying to do what is right'

Ferrari appealed to the FIA after Bridgestone received what it calls photographic evidence that worn Michelin tyres exceeded the maximum 270mm tread width at the Hungarian Grand Prix. In response, the FIA issued a 'rules clarification' stating that tyres will now be measured after a race as well as before.

"We had our suspicions about this matter for some time now but it was not until this information came to our notice by way of photographic evidence at the Hungarian GP, that we could take this matter further," said Bridgestone's head of tyre development, Hirohide Hamashima. "I know there are some sceptics about the timing."

Hamashima denied that the decision to present the photographic evidence to the FIA was an attempt boost Bridgestone's competitiveness against the French manufacturers tyres, saying it was "merely a case of trying to do what is right. Information of this importance could not be ignored.

"Bridgestone has always tried to comply fully with the regulations and consequently the tread width of our tyres does not exceed 270mm either at a standstill or when running. However, it seems our rivals have a different interpretation of the regulations and we therefore welcome the FIA's clarification on the matter."

Hamashima added that the fact that F1's current tyre regulations were developed to contain cornering speeds suggested that Michelin's interpretation of the rule was flawed.

He said: "With the FIA's concern about controlling speed and taking into account the measures it has taken to do so, it would therefore be surprising if the FIA meant for the regulations to be interpreted in such a way that would allow contact patches and speeds to be increased."