8 July, 2009 – Round 9

Bridgestone Motorsport German Grand Prix Preview

Bridgestone returns to the circuit of Nurburgring after a year’s absence where the medium and super

soft compound Bridgestone Potenza tyres will be used for the German Grand Prix on July 10-12.

Last year’s race in Germany took place at Hockenheim, so this will be an interesting return to the venue

which provided a very exciting wet weather race in 2007. The medium and super soft allocation is the

same as used earlier this season in Australia, China and Bahrain.

This is a location which has good historical importance for Bridgestone. The first major European race

win on Bridgestone tyres occurred here on the Nordschleife circuit in April 1981, when Thierry Boutsen

crossed the line first in his BMW-powered March 812 in the Formula 2 championship.

Hiroshi Yasukawa – Director of Bridgestone Motorsport, said:

“Germany is a good market for Bridgestone and one where we experience high levels of brand

awareness. Our participation in Formula One has played a big part in building this brand awareness and

we always have strong support in the home country of so many major motor manufacturers. We are

always happy to return to a venue which has rich history for us in the early days of Bridgestone’s

motorsport participation.”

Q&A with Hirohide Hamashima - Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development

What are the challenges of the Nurburging?

“The Nurburgring circuit features an interesting mixture of very fast, medium fast and slow corners, so

finding the correct set-up compromise is a challenge for competitors. Our tyre allocation of the medium

and super soft Bridgestones should mean exciting racing. Sectors one and three are more demanding

on tyre grip, traction and braking performance than in the middle sector, and it is an exciting undulating

circuit. The first corner, which has a variety of racing lines, and the chicane provide good overtaking

opportunities. Braking balance is also important here and care has to be taken not to lock-up and flat-

spot the tyres when slowing.”

Are there particular weather considerations?

“Last time we visited this circuit there was a very exciting wet weather race. The location of the

Nurburgring, in the Eifel region of Germany, does often present unpredictable weather. The time of year

should mean quite hot weather, but we have previously seen quite cool temperatures there, even in the

summer. When we look back on Bridgestone’s history at the Nurburgring, we’ve even seen snow on a

DTM race weekend in April, so we never know quite what to expect!”

Stats & Facts

Number & Spec of tyres brought to Nurburgring

1800 (Medium & super soft dry. Intermediate/wets)

Pole position time 2007:1min 31.450secs (Raikkonen)

Fastest race lap 2007:  1min 32.853secs (Massa)

Top three 2007:Alonso, Massa, Webber

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