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For the first time ever Bridgestone will bring a non-consecutive dry tyre allocation to the unique challenges of the Monaco Grand Prix which takes place on the streets of Monte Carlo on May 13-16.
The medium and super soft compound Bridgestone Potenzas will tackle the slippery 3.34km street course, making a change from the previous allocation for this race of soft and super soft. The circuit is the shortest on the calendar, with a polished smooth track surface between the unyielding Armco barriers. It’s also the lowest average speed circuit, due to its tight and twisty nature.
Hiroshi Yasukawa – Director of Bridgestone Motorsport, says:
“The Monaco Grand Prix is an extremely prestigious event and one which we know as the jewel in the crown of the Formula One calendar. Television figures for this race are always very good, and this gives us a superb platform to promote our brand. The Bridgestone branding we have at the first corner of the circuit is seen all around the world and it is fantastic to be associated with this great event. We are very happy to be part of this race and to see Bridgestone’s tyres contribute to the amazing spectacle we will all see.”
Hirohide Hamashima – Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development, says:
“The street course in Monaco is a difficult circuit for drivers and tyre engineers. It is made up of public roads which uniquely are still used by the public over the course of a Grand Prix weekend. This means that track evolution is not the same as we would see at other venues. The actual track surface is very smooth as it is polished by the use of road vehicles, and finding grip is a priority for drivers. After reviewing last year’s data and because of the changes in positioning for our compounds this season, we can use the super soft and medium at Monaco. In higher temperatures with a good track surface our medium compound should work very well and combined with the super soft we are confident about this allocation. However, we must also remember that we have had many exciting wet races in Monaco in the past, and the unforgiving nature of the barriers is often experienced.”
Stats & Facts
Number & Spec of tyres brought to Monaco 2000 (Medium, super soft, intermediate/wets)
Pole position time 2009: 1min 14.902secs (Button)
Fastest race lap 2009: 1min 15.154secs (Massa)
Top three 2009: Button, Barrichello, Raikkonen
© RIF | Bridgestone Motorsport
