Bridgestone confirmed as sole tyre supplier

After announcing at Motegi three weeks ago that the MotoGP class would switch to a single-tyre format from 2009, Bridgestone was confirmed today as the supplier for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons following a meeting of the Grand Prix Commission at Sepang.

The announcement of Bridgestone was a virtual formality after the only other supplier currently in MotoGP, Michelin, announced two weeks ago that they would not be bidding for the contract to supply the tyres as there would be no competition against other brands.

After hearing the news, Hiroshi Yasukawa, director of Bridgestone Motorsport, was pleased that his company would be the exclusive tyre supplier to the MotoGP class.

"Bridgestone is pleased that we have been appointed the sole tyre supplier to the MotoGP World Championship for the next three seasons, starting from 2009," said Yasukawa.

"Although we were sorry to hear that tyre competition would not continue in MotoGP, Bridgestone appreciates the importance of safety and cost in motorsport.

"We respect the decision taken by FIM and Dorna to impose a one-make tyre rule for next season and acknowledge the safety and cost reasons given for their decision.

"We submitted a proposal to FIM and Dorna in order to continue competing at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, and to continue to be a part of the MotoGP community, of which we are proud to have been involved since the 2002 season.

Although exact details of the 'single-tyre' format are yet to be fully confirmed, the Japanese company are already beginning preparations for the new era to ensure that their rubber suits every track and bike as evenly as possible.

"Our technical department has already started looking at how best to approach the 2009 season with the desired push for improved safety in MotoGP at the forefront of our development plans," confirmed Yasukawa.

"We must make sure that our tyres work safely and competitively at each event, bearing in mind the complexity of tyre performance at each individual circuit and, most importantly, we must ensure that our tyres offer the same performance potential across all teams."

"We have a busy winter period ahead of us in order to best prepare ourselves for the first race of the 2009 season, but on-track preparations will begin as soon as the chequered flag has fallen on this 2008 season with a post-race test in Valencia, the first opportunity we will have to work with new teams and riders."