Bridgestone extends MotoGP deal

The Japanese firm has supplied the whole MotoGP field since the sport decided to go to a single tyre brand at the start of the 2009 season.

Mikio Masunaga, vice president and senior officer member of Bridgestone's board responsible for motorsport, said: "I am proud that we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to MotoGP by extending our participation as 'official tyre supplier' to the premier class with a new three-year deal. Bridgestone has a very rich heritage in the leading motorsport categories across the world, and MotoGP represents a significant part of this heritage."

Series boss Carmelo Ezpeleta added that he was pleased to have tyre continuity as MotoGP heads into its new 1000cc engine era from next year.

"I am very pleased that we can continue to work closely with Bridgestone for another three years after this season, and I would like to thank them for their continued commitment to MotoGP," he said.

"Bridgestone has a great track record in all forms of motorsport, in particular MotoGP, and has done a great job since they were appointed the championship's first ever 'official tyre supplier' so we all know they are up to the task this season and over the following three years.

"Their ongoing commitment at this early point is important in allowing us all to plan for the future, especially for the teams as they are already underway with their development plans for next year and the new 1000cc era, and I believe it also demonstrates the value of MotoGP as a business platform."

Bridgestone stays in MotoGP despite pulling out of Formula 1 at the end of last season. Its Firestone arm recently announced that it would leave the IndyCar Series, but had a change of heart after intense lobbying from the teams.