Bridgestone Motorsport and its four
teams are keen to keep up the pressure on their rivals
this weekend as they prepare to do battle in Monza (Italy) at the
final European round of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
Michael Schumacher and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro may have wrapped
up the titles but there will be no easing off as the Bridgestone
equipped drivers and teams have four races remaining in the season.
Furthermore, Monza presents Formula One with a unique challenge
as it is the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar, with cars reaching
speeds of over 350km/h at no fewer than three separate sections
of the circuit. A Bridgestone equipped driver has won the past two,
consecutive Italian Grands Prix.
Hiroshi
Yasukawa, Director of Motorsport:
“The Italian Grand Prix is a great race to finish
the European F1 season with because the atmosphere there is always
very special. It was fabulous to see Michael Schumacher claim his
seventh Drivers’ World Championship title recently in Belgium
at Ferrari’s 700 th Grand Prix and no doubt the Tifosi will
be out in force as a result to see them in action for themselves.
Italy is home to two Bridgestone equipped teams: Ferrari and Minardi
Cosworth; and also three drivers: Giancarlo Fisichella, Giorgio
Pantano and Gianmaria Bruni – so we are never short of supporters
whenever we visit Monza! This has undoubtedly been a hugely successful
season so far for Bridgestone but we do, however, remain focussed
on the job ahead which is to provide the most competitive tyres
possible for our drivers as the battle heats up for the end of the
season.”
2004
Tyres for Monza
1,400 Bridgestone Potenza Formula One tyres are on their
way to the Italian Monza circuit this week. These comprise of six
different dry weather specifications, one wet weather specification
and one extreme weather specification for Bridgestone’s four
teams. Due to the high speed nature of the circuit, these specifications
have been chosen from the mid to hard compound range.
Hisao
Suganuma, Technical Manager:
“We had several days of successful testing last week
in Monza with all of our teams and have subsequently selected six
specifications of dry weather tyre for this weekend’s race.
Speed is a major factor at the Monza track where the cars can reach
up to 360km/h. This exerts a lot of force on the tyres and heat
durability is an issue – wear, however, tends to be quite
low. We do expect most teams to employ a two stop strategy in Monza.
Last week’s test was very positive and we are looking forward
to being competitive this weekend.” |
