Japan preview quotes: Bridgestone

Hirohide Hamashima - Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development: "Suzuka is a wonderful circuit and one which is very challenging for drivers and tyre engineers alike. As we found last year, there is a newer track surface on the east side of the circuit and this delivers different grip levels from those found on the older surface of the west side. The nature of the track with its figure of eight configuration tests the cars all round handling characteristics and all four tyres will be subject to many stresses. A set-up which gets the best from traction and grip, whilst allowing quick changes of direction from the tyres is required at Suzuka. This circuit is also the 'mother circuit' for Bridgestone's Formula 1 tyres. It is here where we first tested and developed our tyres for Formula 1 over 14 years ago, so it is emotional for us to return here in the final year of our Formula 1 participation."