Spain preview quotes: Bridgestone

Kees van de Grint, Head of Track Engineering Operations

Q. What are the challenges of the Barcelona circuit?

KvdG: "In the past, the nature of this circuit has resulted in high degradation and graining, particularly on the front left tyres.

However, this has become less of an issue now as the construction of the 2007 tyres provides a good balance for the cars and that, in combination with the track layout changes and the introduction of the chicane, which make speeds lower through the final turns, has resulted in a less severe circuit from a tyre manufacturer's point of view."

Q. What were the conclusions from testing here in February and this week?

KvdG: "From the test last week it was clear that the medium compound was, on the whole, the more competitive compound. However, we should keep in mind that track temperatures last week and in February were on the low side and we also had rain which meant we had quite a green track at times.

"Should we experience higher temperatures during the race weekend the hard compound tyre could well come into play. Last week's test also enabled the teams to run both the wet and extreme wet weather tyres and, in our opinion, both performed well in each of their respective windows."