Bridgestone hoping for dry weather at resurfaced Jerez

At the start of a series of European races MotoGP arrives this weekend at Jerez, which was the venue for two winter tests as Bridgestone prepared for their first season as the single tyre supplier to the premier class.

Two weekends disrupted by the weather in Qatar and Japan made things difficult for Bridgestone, the riders and the MotoGP teams, as they adapted to the new regulations for 2009. Although the conditions were difficult at both of the opening rounds of the year invaluable experience was gained by all concerned.

As Bridgestone’s Motorcycle Sport Unit Manager Hiroshi Yamada puts it, “We have seen some very rare and challenging conditions on both race weekends so far this season, with Qatar’s race delayed until Monday and torrential rain in Motegi cancelling qualifying. I am looking forward to returning to Europe this weekend where hopefully the weather will be much better. We saw a good race in Japan which I am pleased about, and I am sure this can continue in Spain.”

The third race of the season also brings a different tyre strategy for Bridgestone. Having selected soft and medium compound slicks for both front and rear for the past two races, the nature of the Spanish circuit means a harder front tyre is needed.

Tohru Ubukata, Bridgestone’s Motorcycle Race Tyre Development Manager, explains, “The Jerez circuit has been totally resurfaced since last year’s race so this will make a difference to tyre performance, though we have experience from the pre-season test at the end of March. It was previously quite bumpy and now it is flatter which is less demanding for the tyre’s construction in absorbing the bumps, but the surface is more abrasive which is why we have decided to select a harder compound front to increase durability.”