From Bridgestone
Motor sport’s finest up and coming drivers sampled
Bridgestone’s Potenza Formula One tires in the final group test of 2009 at the
Jerez racing circuit in southern Spain on December 1-3.
All four compounds of 2009 specification dry tires were available and used at the test. Twenty drivers drove 2602 laps over the course of the three days for the nine attending teams. Bridgestone’s intermediate and wet tires were also used.
 |
| In red, the profile of the 2009 F1 front tire. In blue, the profile of the 2010, narrower tire. |
Bridgestone’s Potenza Formula One tires are next scheduled to be used at a group test at the beginning of February next year at Valencia, Spain where the 2010 specification tires will be in use.
“There was a lot of running with heavy cars to simulate the heavier fuel loads of next season so we gained useful data from this,” said Jun Matsuzaki, Chief Engineer, Bridgestone Motorsport.
“Our 2010 tires are designed for the requirements of the heavier fuel loads in next year’s cars and also for the potential different pit stop strategies we could see without refueling,” He added.
“The construction is more durable, and the compounds have also been modified. A narrower front tire will also be introduced to adjust the basic balance of the cars (see image). As tire characteristics will be changed due to the modifications, we are now working very hard with all teams to enhance their understanding of this. We are very looking forward to seeing how quickly the teams maximise tire performance within the new regulations of 2010.”
Photo Credit : Bridgestone
Imprimer