NOVEMBER 30, 2001

Arrows and Bridgestone agree on long-term deal

ARROWS has announced that they will continue to use Bridgestone tires in 2002 and beyond, extending a relationship that began in 1996.

Tom Walkinshaw said of the deal, "In a time when tire development is critical to performance it is great to have the continuity in one of our most successful partnerships".

Bridgestone announced in 1996 that they would be entering F1 with Arrows. After some impressive performances in 1997, top teams McLaren and Benetton switched to Bridgestone in 1998, and the Japanese company won its first World Championship with Mika Hakkinen. At the end of 1998, Goodyear withdrew from F1 leaving Bridgestone as the sole supplier in Grand Prix racing, until French tire maker Michelin's return to the sport in 2001.

Bridgestone will supply tires for Ferrari, Sauber, Jordan, and BAR, as well as Arrows in 2002, while Michelin will supply the rest of the grid.