Ferrari give rubber stamp to Bridgestone

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn led the praise for tyre suppliers Bridgestone after Michael Schumacher’s victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday.

In conditions that have never traditionally suited the team, Schumacher won his 72nd Grand Prix by five seconds from the Williams of Juan Pablo Montoya and Jenson Button in the BAR.

Ferrari dominated in the cool Melbourne conditions a fortnight ago but their leading leading rivals – Williams, McLaren, Renault and BAR – all use Michelin tyres and had been expected to benefit from the searing Kuala Lumpur heat.

But all they could do was close the gap as Schumacher led from start to finish, while his Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello sailed home fourth.

“In some ways, being able to win here, means more than the win in Australia because of the conditions,” said Brawn.

“I think Bridgestone has done a fantastic job. When you think back tour performances here in previous years then really this win is down to them.

“They did an exceptional job given we used to find conditions like these difficult to deal with.

“This win on a track where we have struggled in the past is really important and much of the credit must go to Bridgestone.”

Even in 2002, when Schumacher won the world title with six rounds to run, he could not win in Malaysia.

That they seem to have found a way of running successfully in the heat is great for Ferrari, but ominous for the championship race.

“The work done by Bridgestone in typically Japanese understated and methodical fashion is paying off,” said Ferrari’s team principal Jean Todt.

“Ferrari showed that even in diametrically opposite conditions to Melbourne it is competitive and, for the time being at least, victorious.”

Schumacher’s victory was his second on the bounce in opposing conditions and the team will now head to Bahrain, another sizzling venue, with renewed confidence.

“The win is a good sign,” said Brawn.

Schumacher now leads the championship by seven points from Barrichello with a maximum 20 and is extremely comfortable leading from the front.

“It is easier to lead the championship than to have to fight back like last year,” said the six-times world champion.

“I have to say, Bridgestone did a fantastic job here after we struggled at this track in the past.”

Bridgestone also earned points through Barrichello and Felipe Massa in the Sauber, a development partner of Ferrari’s.

“It was fantastic to see Michael on top spot, it really showed that the Bridgestone tyre performance was consistent and quick in these tough conditions,” said technical manager Hisao Suganuma.

“There is no doubt this week was a turning point. Our rivals can expect us to be strong this year even if we have a scorching European summer.”