Zoom Bridgestone all set for its 200th Grand Prix

Today's European Grand Prix will mark Bridgestone’s 200th Grand Prix since its full time entry in 1997 as a tyre supplier. Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport comments on this morning’s first ever running of Formula One cars on the impressive new street circuit in Valencia, Spain, and on Bridgestone’s milestone Grand Prix.

Mr Yasukawa, what your first impressions of Valencia’s street circuit?
"I think the City of Valencia should be extremely proud of this circuit. Streets circuits are particularly challenging to manage and it has no doubt taken an impressively complex amount of logistical coordination to put this race together. Every new circuit experiences a few teething problems but this track has every potential to be a highlight on the Formula One calendar. The organisers have managed to construct an excellent track and paddock in a fabulous location and we are pleased to be celebrating our 200th Grand Prix here."

How does it feel for Bridgestone to have reached the milestone of 200 races contested since 1997?
"It is incredible to think that it has been 12 years since we first entered Formula One. The time has gone so quickly but we are very proud to be celebrating our 200th race in Valencia. It is a great tribute to everyone involved, especially our technical and tyre servicing team, that we have achieved such a professional and successful record in the sport. We are also very appreciative of the support all the teams have given us over this period."

What was the aim when Bridgestone originally entered Formula One?
"Formula One is not only the pinnacle of single seater motorsport but also one of the most watched sports in the world and so it made sense to be involved. At the time, our brand awareness and market share was very high in some markets, including our home market of Japan, but unfortunately it was less so in other markets, Europe for example. Entering Formula One has had a significant contribution to increasing our brand awareness and we are now known across the globe."

How has Bridgestone benefitted from its time in Formula One?
"Since entering Formula One and competing successfully against rival tyre manufacturers our brand awareness in many key markets across the globe has increased significantly. Furthermore, large numbers of consumers have seen and recognised our company’s technical capabilities and the quality of our products. We have also been able to recruit high calibre staff and develop strong relationships with many of the world’s leading car manufacturers."