Bridgestone have revealed that they will have a new range of soft compound tyres for the Monaco Grand Prix this coming weekend, as they look to get back on the top step of the podium at the Principality after an absence of four years.
Speaking in the count-down to the seventh round in the championship,
Bridgestone's director of motorsport, Hiroshi Yasukawa predicted they have a number of drivers who could get on the podium, although as usual there key hope will lie with the
Ferrari of
Michael Schumacher, who took the last victory for them here in 2001.
"Looking at the competitive performances of several of the Bridgestone teams over the past six races, there are a number of Bridgestone drivers who are capable of making it onto the podium this weekend," confirmed Yasukawa. "The Monaco Grand Prix is a very prestigious race so we are keen to see our teams do well there."
Monaco's unique street circuit features one of the smoothest track surfaces on the calendar and its coastal location can make it prone to unstable weather conditions. Overtaking opportunities are rare and therefore qualifying will be vital. It is a big challenge for teams and tyre manufacturers alike but it is a challenge Bridgestone is relishing.
"As the only real street circuit on the
F1 calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix is extremely special," added Bridgestone's technical manager, Hisao Suganuma. "The cars need to have precise handling as they run so close to the sides.
