San Marino Preview Quotes: Bridgestone

Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Motorsport: "Bridgestone Motorsport has had an excellent start to 2004 and our technical department is busy continuing its good work to make sure we stay at the top of our game. Once again, our teams have committed what resources they can to our tyre test programme and Ferrari in particular has worked hard to develop a car which works in harmony with Bridgestone's Potenza Formula One tyres. We have achieved great results by working closely with our teams. Imola is an excellent race with which to start the European season, especially as Bridgestone equips two Italian teams: Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro and Wilux Minardi Cosworth. We should have plenty of support and the atmosphere in Italy is always fun and enthusiastic. We expect it to provide the perfect backdrop for a fantastic race - a race that Bridgestone and Ferrari have won for the past two consecutive years."

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager: "After three race wins it is important that we keep up the momentum. We have had a busy test programme over the past few weeks and although rain was a factor enabling continued research into our next generation of wet weather tyres, we did gather some useful dry tyre data for both the Imola and Barcelona races. Michael Schumacher completed an incredible 150 laps last Thursday, 100 of which were run before the lunch break. Jordan Ford meanwhile benefited from their Silverstone test, building up their basic understanding of our tyres and assessing their tyre requirements for the forthcoming Barcelona round. Concentrating, however, on the San Marino GP, we have thought carefully about the track's nature which includes several chicanes and directional changes. Traction performance exiting the slower corners will be important. Six specifications of dry tyre will be at the smooth surfaced track incorporating several new compounds which have been introduced in line with our policy of constant development. With regards to pitstops, I expect most teams will opt for a three stop strategy. All in all, a productive few weeks and we will be at Imola in confident mood - we are looking competitive."