Zoom Fisichella one of the few to opt for the soft tyre

Lewis Hamilton has been crowned 2008 FIA Formula One drivers’ champion after finishing fifth in a nail-biting season finale played out in Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix. Felipe Massa won the race and looked set to become champion with Hamilton only regaining the fifth place to win the title within sight of the finishing line.

Massa won by over 13 seconds from Fernando Alonso with Kimi Raikkonen finishing a further three seconds behind. Sebastian Vettel finished fourth ahead of Hamilton whilst Timo Glock took sixth.

The drivers’ championship went in Hamilton’s favour with 98 points to Massa’s 97. Raikkonen was tied on 75 points with Robert Kubica but the out-going drivers’ champion takes third position through virtue of more race wins. Ferrari won the constructors’ championship with 172 points to McLaren Mercedes’ 151.

Bridgestone’s Potenza Formula One tyres will next be in test action at Barcelona on November 17-19. Two compounds of 2009 specification slick tyres will be available for teams as will one compound of the 2008 specification grooved tyre.

Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport
“Congratulations to Felipe Massa and Ferrari for a fantastic race win, and congratulations to Lewis Hamilton and McLaren Mercedes for winning the drivers’ championship. This was a superb way to end a great season and not many races have been as exciting as we saw today. Bridgestone celebrated its 200th Grand Prix this year. Ten years ago we celebrated the first drivers’ and constructors’ world championships won with our tyres when Mika Hakkinen and McLaren Mercedes triumphed, so it is an honour to see Lewis Hamilton win the drivers’ title using our tyres today."

"Lewis has driven with Bridgestone tyres for most of his career, from the early days in karting, through the GP2 Series to Formula One. We also celebrate the eighth constructors’ championship won using our tyres by Ferrari and this is a momentous achievement. This was the first season where we have been the Official Tyre Supplier to Formula One and we offer our thanks to all teams and organisers around the world, the FIA and all of our Bridgestone personnel in Formula One and around the world.”

Hirohide Hamashima, Tyre Development Director
“Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton for winning the 2008 drivers’ championship. Congratulations also to Felipe Massa for winning his home Grand Prix and well done to Ferrari for winning the constructors’ championship. We are very appreciative of the fine battles we saw on track today in a very exciting race. The weather was crucial and it made for difficult tyre choices for competitors."