MARCH 30, 1998

Ferrari and Bridgestone

ONE rumor doing the rounds in the paddock at Interlagos is that Ferrari is planning a last-minute switch to Bridgestone tires, because of the lack of competitiveness of the team this year.

ONE rumor doing the rounds in the paddock at Interlagos is that Ferrari is planning a last-minute switch to Bridgestone tires, because of the lack of competitiveness of the team this year. Such a move does not make a lot of sense as there has not yet been a really clear indication that Bridgestone tires are better than the Goodyears. It would mean that Ferrari engineers would have to completely redesign the suspension of the F300 Grand Prix car. It also comes at a time when Goodyear is about to introduce some development tires for the Argentine GP. Goodyear engineers are confident that these will be a big leap forward.

"We believe that these tires will result in further improved overall performance," commented Goodyear's F1 Racing Operations Manager Perry Bell. The tire war remains intense with Goodyear due to test this week at Barcelona with the Williams, Ferrari and Jordan teams. Benetton and McLaren are expected to test for Bridgestone at Silverstone.

Another rumor in the paddock at Interlagos is that Rubens Barrichello is being tipped as a possible replacement for EddieÊIrvine at Ferrari next year.