Burti Hired to Help Bridgestone, Says di Montezemolo

The Ferrari team have hired Brazilian Luciano Burti as test driver for the 2002 season in order to be able to concentrate on developing their Bridgestone tyres, according to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.

The Italian team, who clinched their third consecutive Constructors' Championship in 2001, will continue to use Bridgestone tyres next season, while main rivals McLaren and Williams will use the rubber from French manufacturer Michelin.

Burti, who joined Ferrari last week and who will work alongside Italian driver Luca Badoer, was signed so Ferrari can fully concentrate on developing the Bridgestone tyres on one of their cars in each test.

"It is of great significance that Bridgestone will be able concentrate on one car," di Montezemolo told ANSA news agency.

"We have hired Burti because there won't be any other teams sharing the tests, therefore we have decided to have another test driver like Burti to join Badoer, in a season that we reckon will be very intense."

Bridgestone, who joined Formula One at the start of the 1997 season, won 13 races in 2001, compared to Michelin's four victories.