Bridgestone chase back-to-back success

Bridgestone are out to prove Ferrari’s Imola pace was no fluke when Formula One heads to Spain this weekend.

Michael Schumacher stunned his rivals by racing up to two seconds a lap faster than anyone else on his way to second in the San Marino Grand Prix two weeks ago.

That advantage was put down to his Bridgestone tyres, as well as the cooler weather at Imola.

But Bridgestone are keen to prove they have made a genuine leap forwards by repeating that speed at Barcelona in this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Director of motorsport Hiroshi Yasukawa said: “This week’s Spanish Grand Prix has all the hallmarks of being another classic race.

“We clearly saw in Imola that following an intensive period of working closely with our teams, we have been able to provide them with increasingly competitive tyres.

“To see Michael Schumacher running up to two seconds a lap faster than his rivals was hugely satisfying and we intend to keep up the momentum.

“The race in Spain will undoubtedly produce another big showdown between the leading runners and we expect the Ferrari drivers to be right up there, showing what they can do in front of the expected capacity crowd. I can’t wait.”