Schumacher Praises Bridgestone Tyres

Tyre suppliers Bridgestone earned Ferrari's praise after World Champion Michael Schumacher claimed victory in the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday.

Rivals Michelin, who supply Williams, McLaren and Renault, had been expected to produce the best tyre for the hot conditions in Malaysia but Bridgestone seemed to provide the perfect rubber to take Schumacher to victory.

Schumacher led from start to finish to come home ahead of Juan Pablo Montoya and Jenson Button and he dedicated the win to Bridgestone, who have upped their game to produce a hot weather tyre.

"The difference we had compared to last year was one of the reasons, and Bridgestone did a fantastic job," Schumacher said. "To win in such conditions is a good result. When we needed to be quick we were, but the beginning of the race was tough and unpredictable where the water was.

"I had to be cautious. It was a tough fight until the end. It was pressure all the way."

Ross Brawn, Ferrari's technical director, dedicated the victory to Bridgestone and added: "Bridgestone did a fantastic job. This win is down to them. It was a close race. The tyres were great towards the end of the stints and it is a real tribute to Bridgestone and the job they have done.

"These are conditions in which we would have struggled, but I think we had the best tyre. For us it is a measure of what we managed to achieve over the winter, tyre testing, car testing and to have won in Australia and here is really very, very good.

"I can't praise Bridgestone enough - they are doing a great job this year."

Schumacher was five seconds clear of Montoya and he now holds a seven-point championship lead over Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello, who was fourth. Ferrari are 16 points clear of Williams.