Bridgestone raises game with new tyre

Bridgestone has promised Ferrari a new and improved tyre for their new car, which is to make its debut next week in Bahrain.

The world champions have suffered a difficult start to the season with a modified version of their 2004 car.

After two races they trail leaders Renault by 16 points and have been forced to introduce their new car two races ahead of schedule in response.

But Bridgestone have vowed to up their game for round three in Bahrain after progress in testing.

Bridgestone’s technical manager Hisao Suganuma said: “Bridgestone has had a very productive test with Ferrari this week running a number of tyre specifications on the F2005 car and we are pleased with the team’s decision to take the new car to Bahrain.

“We have been working hard with Ferrari to accelerate our tyre development programme for Bahrain and look forward to an improved performance at the grand prix next weekend.

“We anticipate that following further testing in the coming weeks, the car/tyre package will continue to gain in performance.”

Ferrari made the decision to bring forward the launch of the F2005 car yesterday after world champion Michael Schumacher had tested it.

The team’s managing director Jean Todt insists recent disappointments will spur Ferrari on in Bahrain.

He said: “In the next race we will be running with the new car. The Mugello test, which saw both race drivers try the F2005 for the first time, confirmed its potential.

“We will have two F2005, one for each driver, while for the spare we will use one of the cars used in Australia and Malaysia. The contrasting results of the first two races gave us a positive incentive.”