Bridgestone Motorsport celebrates 200 Grands Prix

Bridgestone Motorsport will celebrate its 200th Grand Prix since its full-time Formula One entry as a tyre supplier in 1997 at this weekend’s European Grand Prix in Valencia. The all-new street race around the port area of Spain’s third largest city will be the twelfth race in Bridgestone’s twelfth season at the top echelon of motorsport.

Bridgestone made its full time entry into Formula One at the 1997 Australian Grand Prix, the first race of that season, and has contested every race held since then.

In this period, Bridgestone has faced two rival tyre manufacturers and has twice been the sole supplier to the sport. Up to this 200th race, Bridgestone Potenza tyres have been on the winning car on 132 occasions. Pole position for a Bridgestone shod car has occurred 125 times and Bridgestone tyres have been used to set the fastest race lap on 127 occasions. The drivers’ and constructors’ championships have both been won eight times.

Bridgestone has a number of celebratory initiatives to celebrate its 200th race, including the unveiling of a special gold coloured Bridgestone Potenza tyre to mark the occasion.

Shoshi Arakawa, Bridgestone Corporation, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, said: “Bridgestone’s participation in 200 Formula One races shows the level of commitment we have given to the sport and we are delighted to be working with all of the teams and so many major motor manufacturers in our current position as Official Tyre Supplier. Participating in a major sport brings us many benefits and, in return, we hope we have helped the sport grow just as we have grown through being part of Formula One.”

Hiroshi Yasukawa, Bridgestone Motorsport, Director of Motorsport said: “Bridgestone is very happy to be celebrating its 200th grand prix since 1997. Entering Formula One was a big step for us twelve seasons ago, but one which was very valuable as our brand awareness has increased significantly since then. Formula One is one of the biggest sports in the world so we are very proud of our role as Official Tyre Supplier for this and the next two seasons.”

Hirohide Hamashima, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development, said: “There have been many high points during our 200 races in Formula One. We have seen many races and championships won using our tyres. Of course, there have also been lows, but participating in the frontline laboratory of motorsport has helped us develop our knowledge and products in a way that would not have been possible were it not for Formula One.”