Panis Confident of Bridgestone Improvement

Frenchman Olivier Panis feels confident that Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone will improve their performance in 2002 as they aim to fend off the challenge of French rivals Michelin.

Michelin, who returned to Formula One racing in 2001 after an absence of more than 15 years, scored four victories last season thanks to the Williams team, and apart from continuing their partnership with the Grove-based squad, the French marque will also supply to McLaren, who finished in second place in last year's Championship.

British American Racing driver Panis believes Bridgestone will be able to raise their game this year in order to continue their domination despite a tough 2001 season.

"Bridgestone had a really tough job because they had a competitor and there was a very high level of performance for both," said Panis, who will drive the Bridgestone-shod BAR for the second consecutive year.

"Sometimes Bridgestone were better and sometimes their rival had the advantage at some circuits. The competition is at a very high level, which is good for Formula One.

"I think that last year, Bridgestone learnt different things at different circuits, so I'm sure we'll improve together this year. In general, we had some very good races [in 2001] but I'm sure Bridgestone also learnt a lot from the races where we didn't perform so well."