By Phil Huff (21/10/2003)
October 21 2003

Last Sunday's thrilling climax to the 2003 FIA Formula One World Championship resulted in Michael Schumacher taking his sixth world Drivers' Championship - his fourth consecutive title and fourth won on Bridgestone's Potenza Formula One tyres. The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro team also clinched their fifth Constructors' title in as many years, taking the tally of both drivers' and constructors' championships won on Bridgestone tyres to six in the past six years. Over the past ten days key Bridgestone figures Mr Shigeo Watanabe (President and CEO of the Bridgestone Corporation) and Mr Hiroshi Yasukawa (Director of Bridgestone Motorsport) have spoken in detail about the challenges that faced the company in its Formula One campaign this year. Following is an amalgamation of those comments given prior to and after Sunday's exciting result.

Mr Shigeo Watanabe, President and CEO of the Bridgestone Corporation, comments on the company's commitment to Formula One and the teams it supplies, and to furthering the advancement of tyre technology.

"Last month's United States Grand Prix marked the 115th Formula 1 race since Bridgestone entered in 1997. In each of the past five seasons, teams have used our tyres to take both the drivers' and the constructors' championship titles. We have put everything we have into every one of our F1 races and our tyres have been first across the finish line in 78 races.

"This year, changes to the F1 regulations have had a big effect on the teams and tyre manufacturers. To cope with these new regulations, we have worked closely with the teams that we supply, conducting exhaustive testing and development programmes. We have mobilized our entire organization in order to produce winning tyres. That has included Bridgestone staff in research, product design, and in manufacturing, as well as their colleagues at the racetrack. Our teams have achieved good results this year with our tyres and I regard that performance as evidence of our commitment and passion.

"For Bridgestone, participating in F1 has been an opportunity to achieve new advances in tyre technology. At the same time, it has also been a showcase for demonstrating our technological edge to people around the world. We at Bridgestone will continue to refine our tyre technology for the 2004 F1 season and for seasons to come. We are determined to maintain a competitive edge in tyre technology and we are determined to contribute to further victories for the teams and drivers who use our tyres.

"I would very much like to congratulate both Michael Schumacher on his sixth World Championship Drivers' title and the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro team on clinching the 2003 Constructors' Championship. We are very proud to have contributed to both these titles as a tyre supplier."

Mr Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport, talks about the dedication needed to be the best when competing in motor racing's premiere series and of the importance of strong relationships.

"There is no doubt that this year has been one of the most competitive and hard fought seasons since 1997, making the achievements of our teams and Ferrari, in particular, well deserved and all the more rewarding. 2003 has been a year of intense emotions. There have been many high points along the way including eight pole positions, nine victories and the great satisfaction, at the Canadian Grand Prix, of seeing Michael Schumacher claim the 75th win on Bridgestone tyres since we entered Formula 1 in 1997.

"These times have also been tempered by those inevitable moments of bitter disappointment when beaten by the opposition. Our opponent has proven itself a worthy adversary this year so to have seen a Bridgestone equipped team and driver take the world championship titles for an incredible sixth consecutive year has been extremely satisfying.

"Over the past seven years, Bridgestone equipped teams have consistently beaten their rivals equipped by two of the world's leading tyre manufacturers. It is the hard work and shared passion for winning shown by our teams that have carried us through and we would like to thank them for all their efforts. We may be working with people of different nationalities but we are in the same boat and unless we have that sense of teamwork, we will not be able to win. The tyres, the car, the driver, everything has to be good. And the link between all the players is that the communication has to be there to make the entire package better. Bridgestone's staff in Japan and around the world, also deserve much praise, whether from the research, production, development or promotions departments. They have worked together with one aim to great effect.

"We look ahead now to 2004 and the continuation of our relentless drive for excellence. This season has been a very good learning process for us and you can expect Bridgestone and its teams to be back stronger and more determined than ever."