Bridgestone promises equality for teams

Bridgestone's director of motorsport Hirohide Hamashima says Ducati have no reason to worry about getting less attention now the Japanese manufacturer will also develop tyres for Yamaha's Valentino Rossi

"I don't think Ducati are afraid we'll help them less now," said Hamashima. "We explained everything to them and to me they looked calm and satisfied with our efforts.

"We want to keep excellent relationships with all the manufacturers with which we have a contract, and that's why we are taking care of everyone and we're naturally dealing with (Casey) Stoner's needs."

He added: "Each of them gives us a considerable contribution in the development. But we also need someone that is decisive with our technical decisions: sometimes we need to make some important decisions and in this respect I count a lot on Valentino.

"I think his talent and his lucidity can help us a lot. He can give a big push to the development of our tyre."

Hamashima said Bridgestone is yet to develop specific tyres for each team, now focusing on a standard tyre instead.

"At the moment we are developing a standard tyre which should be fine for all our teams. After that we'll take care of Yamaha," Hamashima was quoted as saying by Motosprint.

"Our philosophy consists in first of all building a standard tyre of the highest quality, so that we can afterward take care of the single needs in case a certain bike requires a particular type of tyre. We've always tried to assist every team with the same effort, I want to carry on this way."

The Japanese also admitted he has been thrilled with Rossi's contribution so far.

"His performances with our tyres look already fantastic. I'm enthusiastic with what he does and with the efforts he puts in. We'll do the same."