JUNE 18, 2001

Bridgestone expecting easy run at Nurburgring

BRIDGESTONE technical manager Hisao Suganuma is not expecting to experience any problems with tires in this weekend's European Grand Prix.

Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone has been rapidly and unexpectedly caught by new rivals Michelin, who are in their first year back in Formula One.

But after losing the last race to Michelin-shod runners Williams, Bridgestone are expecting strategy to play into their hands in Germany this weekend.

"I expect most teams to choose a two-stop strategy because of the effect of fuel load when the cars are climbing the hills," said Suganuma.

"And because each set of tires will be running for fewer laps, we do not expect wear to be an issue.

"Although understeer in the past has affected the front tires, so the key for us in helping our drivers find good lap times is to cure that.

"At the Nurburgring you are looking for maximum grip and that usually means a softer compound and if the weather is poor and temperatures are down a softer compound will work better."