Barcelona Test Round-Up - Bridgestone

Bridgestone Motorsport, the Official Tyre Supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship, has completed its second major 2009 specification slick tyre test as well as a preparatory test for next week`s Gran Premio de Espana Telefonica at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, Spain.

Ten teams were present over the four days of testing from 14-17 April where Bridgestone`s hard and medium compound 2008 specification dry grooved tyres were supplied to teams as well as three compounds of 2009 specification developmental slick tyres.

Mixed conditions greeted teams with moderate winds affecting running on the first three days and rain falling on the circuit during the final day of the test, meaning that the Bridgestone Potenza wet weather tyres also came into use.

Tyre performance of the 2008 specification tyres was good with no reported issues as teams finalised their set-ups and tested new parts at this circuit, with which they have a great deal of familiarity as they extensively test there.

Bridgestone supplied nine sets of 2009 specification slick tyres per team, enabling both Bridgestone and the teams to accumulate knowledge of these tyres. The teams also ran cars to next year`s regulations, which include excluding the use of tyre warmers. This was the second test of slick tyres, following on from the test in Jerez in December last year.

Bridgestone`s hard and medium compound grooved Potenza tyres will be in use at the Circuit de Catalunya next week for the fourth round of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship, the Gran Premio de Espana Telefonica, on April 25-27.

What has Bridgestone learnt from this test?
Tetsuro Kobayashi

18.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Bridgestone, testing    ▪ www.pitpass.com