An interview with Hiroshi Yasukawa Director of Bridgestone Motorsport

Q. Bridgestone entered F1 in 1997. How would you summarise
your success so far?.

"Our first season in F1 was very successful for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allowed us to make a very strong impact on the world stage for our brand and secondly, it proved that our technical staff where capable of producing excellent tyres.

We did not supply to any major teams in that first year [Post Grand Prix, arrows, Stewart Grand Prix and Minardi], but the relationship we developed with them was very strong. There were some high points, like Olivier Panis taking our first podium finish, Damon Hill coming second at Hungary and Rubens Barrichello battling through the rain in Monaco to finish second.

In 1998, we began supplying to McLaren and Benetton, it was very important to us to get big teams on board yet to maintain our philosophy of taking things step-by-step so we could work closely with all our constructors. McLaren and Benetton did an impressive job, but our job was to work together with all the teams we were supplying.

Following 1997, McLaren was not the top team and our contract with them was important for everyone. Of course, Mika Hakkinen went on to win the championship, giving us victory over our rival Goodyear. At the end of 1998, Goodyear pulled out. It was a big shock to us because we where supplying all 11 teams and 22 cars. The first questions were could we produce enough tyers and could we handle the logistic of a much bigger operation with warehousing, manpower etc.

We had only a few months to prepare and it was a very difficult situation, but Bernie Ecclestone, Max Mosley and the teams were very supportive. We were delighted to be working with all 11 teams. They understood our difficulties and responded by using fewer tyres for testing, and reducing the number of test locations and test days. Added to that, our engineers did an excellent job, and 1999 then 2000 brought us two more driver and constructor championships."

Q. For two years Bridgestone enjoyed a monopoly in F1. What difference will it make going from sole tyre supplier to supplying half the teams?

"This will be a challenging year once again, but a different challenge because at the moment we are supplying six teams. Last year in 1999 we concentrated on treating all teams equally and keeping everybody happy. That philosophy will continue with the teams we are collaborating with this year. However, we have a competitor now so we will also be concentrating on beating them. Our objective is to win."