MotoGP MEDIA INFORMATION 2011 LOSAIL/JEREZ/MOTEGI/ESTORIL/LE MANS CATALUNYA/SILVERSTONE/ASSEN/MUGELLO /LAGUNA SECA/BRNO/INDIANAPOLIS MISANO/MOTORLAND/PHILLIP ISLAND SEPANG/VALENCIA MotoGP MEDIA INFORMATION 2011 CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION SEASON REGULATIONS 1 2 INFORMATION 3 05 Message from Shoshi Arakawa 11 2011 entry list 28 2011 tyre regulations 06 Welcome by Mikio Masunaga 12 in MotoGP 30 Tyre allocation process 07 Message from Hirohide Hamashima 14 Q&A with Hiroshi Yamada 15 Q&A with Tohru Ubukata 16 Introduction to the teams 19 2011 circuit guide and tyre 1 severity rating2 3 BEHIND PR CORPORATE 4 THE SCENES 5 SERVICES 6 INFORMATION 35 Bridgestone’s road tyre line up 47 Bridgestone Motorsport 55 Motorsport contact information media services 36 Tyre production process 56 Bridgestone in motorsport 48 Meet the Bridgestone 38 From rubber tree to racetrack management team 58 MAKE CARS GREEN 40 From racetrack to road 50 Who’s who in the paddock 60 Did you know?

42 Glossary 52 Bridgestone Motorsport 62 World PR contacts 43 Results on Bridgestone tyres media website 66 Motorsport calendar 44 Frequently Asked Questions 02  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com4 5 6 INTRO MESSAGE FROM SHOSHI ARAKAWA Chairman of the Board, CEO and President, Bridgestone Corporation

Last year I am proud that we had another MotoGP continues to be a valuable I promise to dedicate all our strength successful season as the Official Tyre global communications platform with our service to MotoGP throughout Supplier to the FIM MotoGP World and developmental ground for the 2011 season as we have done in the Championship. We strived to continue to Bridgestone, allowing us to produce past. I wish to express our gratitude for provide all teams and riders with fair and and showcase better performing, safer, the continuing understanding and support equal support of the highest level, and I more long-lasting and therefore more of Bridgestone’s motorsport activities. am confident that we achieved this. environmentally friendly motorcycle tyres for consumers worldwide. It wasn’t without the continued and full support of all the teams, riders, We achieved a milestone of 150 Dorna, the FIM and you. For this I am Grands Prix starts in MotoGP in 2010; truly grateful and honoured. Without an achievement of which I am very these relationships that have been proud and that adds to Bridgestone’s nurtured over the years we could not rich heritage in the world’s top have achieved and delivered all that we motorsport series. have been able to so I must express my sincere thanks.

We achieved a milestone of 150 Grands Prix starts in MotoGP in 2010; an achievement of which I am very proud WELCOME BY MIKIO MASUNAGA MESSAGE FROM HIROHIDE HAMASHIMA Vice-President and Official Member of the Board, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development Bridgestone Corporation

I am very proud of our participation in Last year our involvement in MotoGP and successes made on the racetrack One of the main changes between an tyre era we can identify many desirable MotoGP and all that we have been able saw the Bridgestone brand broadcast, to reach our Battlax road tyres. era of tyre competition and single tyre road-going tyre characteristics in our race In the past situation of to achieve in just nine seasons since via television, to more than 200 countries supply is the rate of tyre development. tyres, such as improved performance tyre competition in MotoGP, our debut in the premier class of world and into 226 million homes, making it very Throughout the world people ride It is true that tyre development in MotoGP and grip from cold, and the ability of a race tyre development led championship motorcycle road racing. valuable in maintaining our global presence. motorcycles for many different reasons; has slowed now, partly due to restrictions single tyre to cope with a wider range Bridgestone has a prestigious motorsport for sport, for fun or as an essential in testing and partly to allow us to be of temperature and track conditions. to fantastic performance history and MotoGP forms an important I believe there is no better environment means of transport, and it is our wish that consistent in our supply to teams, Importantly, I am proud that even with this on the track that was part of our heritage. in which to prove the performance and through participation in MotoGP we may allowing them greater continuity with shift it is clear that the performance of our safety of our products, and being in the develop road tyres that will benefit all of their own development programmes. MotoGP tyres has not been affected as translated to the road, MotoGP is a very important platform for unique situation of working closely with our customers. eight new lap records were set in 2010. but technology transfer Bridgestone as it enables us to showcase the best riders in the world helps us Having said this, we always listen our brand and tyre technology globally. develop our technology and expertise for We are focused on using our involvement carefully to the riders and their feedback This shift also means that we now have is even greater with the the benefit of our customers. in MotoGP to continually improve the and respond as best we can, which last more resource to transfer this technology current situation of safety and performance of our consumer year meant developing a new extra soft to the road, which has led to the recent MotoGP continues to be directly tyres, which we hope will ultimately help asymmetric rear slick mid-season that we production of highly-acclaimed tyres such single tyre supply. relevant and beneficial for our consumer contribute to safer, more sustainable and debuted towards the end of the year at as the Battlax BT-016 PRO Supersport motorcycle tyres and there are clearly more enjoyable riding across the world. the colder races. tyre and the BT-023 Sport Touring tyre. defined paths for the developments Tyre development remains a very important This change in development focus, aspect of our MotoGP participation coupled with the most precise feedback however as we learn a great deal from our and data we receive from the best riders ‘test riders’ that we are using to continually in the world, has allowed us to make what improve our road tyres. we learn and develop from our success MotoGP is a very important platform for in MotoGP much more relevant to our Bridgestone as it enables us to showcase In the past situation of tyre competition consumers around the world, with the in MotoGP, race tyre development led to technology developed on the track directly our brand and tyre technology globally. fantastic performance on the track that benefitting our customers with products was translated to the road, but technology that perform better and last longer whilst transfer is even greater with the current also being safer. situation of single tyre supply. In the single

2011 ENTRY LIST In 2011 there have been many changes to MotoGP’s rider line-up including some high profile and much publicised team switches, but once again Bridgestone will support equally and fairly every rider on the grid.

MotoGP Riders Nº Rider Nationality Team Machine

1 SPANISH YAMAHA FACTORY RACING YAMAHA 4 ITALIAN REPSOL TEAM HONDA 5 Colin EDWARDS AMERICAN MONSTER YAMAHA YAMAHA 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA JAPANESE SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI HONDA 8 Hector BARBERA SPANISH MAPFRE 11 AMERICAN YAMAHA FACTORY RACING YAMAHA 14 FRENCH TEAM DUCATI 17 Karel ABRAHAM CZECH CARDION AB MOTORACING DUCATI 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPANISH RIZLA MOTOGP SUZUKI 24 Toni ELIAS SPANISH LCR HONDA MOTOGP HONDA 26 SPANISH TEAM HONDA 27 AUSTRALIAN REPSOL HONDA TEAM HONDA 35 BRITISH MONSTER YAMAHA TECH3 YAMAHA 46 ITALIAN DUCATI TEAM DUCATI 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITALIAN SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI HONDA 65 ITALIAN PRAMAC RACING TEAM DUCATI 69 AMERICAN DUCATI TEAM DUCATI

Rider changes/new riders for the 2011 season are highlighted in grey. BRIDGESTONE IN MotoGP Now in the third season as Official Tyre Supplier to MotoGP, Bridgestone’s rise has been rapid having only entered the top category of motorcycle road racing in 2002, though 2006 the Japanese manufacturer first competed in national racing three decades ago. Bridgestone’s three manufacturer partners all record 2010 podium finishes, with Capirossi 2008 The year of Jorge Lorenzo as he takes his (Ducati) claiming three wins Bridgestone supplies six MotoGP first World Championship title, finishing 2002 2004 teams and 11 riders. Bridgestone- off the podium just twice all season in his 1991 shod riders win 15 of the 18 races. second year on Bridgestone tyres. The top Bridgestone supplies Camel Honda, Bridgestone enters MotoGP with two teams; In his first season with Bridgestone, four riders all take wins and the top seven 1987 Bridgestone makes its World Championship Kawasaki Racing and Team Suzuki Kanemoto Racing and Proton Team KR. Jeremy Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha) secures all stand on the podium. In Malaysia, 1984 debut in the 125cc category in MotoGP. Tamada (Camel Honda) Wildcard 250cc Honda rider McWilliams (Proton Team KR) claims the first the premier class World Championship Bridgestone celebrate their 150th Grand Bridgestone participates in claims the first two wins for Dai Kobayashi scores Bridgestone-shod pole position in Australia crown for the sixth time Prix start in the premier class competitive for Bridgestone’s first podium Bridgestone in Brazil and Japan just the first time, supplying riders in in a World Championship two years after the manufacturer the 250cc class of the All-Japan event with a win at Suzuka entered the top category Championships. Bridgestone also starts competing in the 500cc classes during the 1980s

1984 2010

1985 2003 2005 2009 Bridgestone continues in the 2001 Pramac Racing joins Proton Team Bridgestone’s popularity grows 2007 Bridgestone appointed as the Official Tyre Supplier 250cc class and Dai Kobayashi KR in using Bridgestone tyres in with the paddock and Ducati, Casey Stoner and Ducati become the first to MotoGP for a period of three years, providing Bridgestone evaluates racing wins the 250cc All-Japan MotoGP. Makoto Tamada (Pramac) Kawasaki and Suzuki all use the MotoGP World Champions on Bridgestone tyres and support to every team and rider. Five tyres in preparation for its Championship, marking finishes third in Brazil claiming Japanese manufacturer’s MotoGP tyres. Bridgestone-shod riders win 12 of different riders win races and eleven stand on the graduation to motorcycle Bridgestone’s first major 1989 Bridgestone’s maiden podium at tyres. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) the 18 races, taking podium clean sweeps podium during the year, and Rossi secures another racing’s premier class with series title Tadayuki Okada wins the 250cc this level. Bridgestone exits the scores Bridgestone-shod MotoGP on five occasions. The season also marked championship title for Fiat Yamaha. Stoner marks the 500cc machines All Japan Championship 125cc world championship with wins in Japan and Malaysia Bridgestone’s 100th MotoGP start in Valencia 50th MotoGP win on Bridgestone tyres in Australia 30 victories and 85 podium finishes

12  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com Q&A WITH HIROSHI YAMADA Q&A WITH TOHRU UBUKATA Hiroshi Yamaha has been in the grand prix paddock since 1991 and now heads Tohru Ubukata is the General Manager of Bridgestone’s Motorsport Tyre Development up the MotoGP programme as Manager of Bridgestone’s Motorsport Department. Department and the technical mastermind behind Bridgestone’s rise in MotoGP with experience Here he takes a look at the third year of competition as Official Tyre Supplier. in F3000, IndyCar and . Here he talks about the challenges faced in 2011.

In the third year of single tyre was the case at the end of last year In total there are nine rider movements Has there been any tyre from the start of the season and bring it confident all the relationships will be up supply, what do you think the and there were no problems for anyone. this season, including two new riders development during the winter? to more races where we can expect the to speed before the start of the season, challenges will be in 2011? and a new team so there is quite a lot of Yes we have been developing our temperature to be cooler. We developed putting us in a strong position to support As far as tyre supply, allocation and There are no new circuits for us to change, but we are relishing the change MotoGP tyres over the winter, using it specifically after listening to comments everyone equally by the first race. regulations go there have been no prepare for this year and we now have and looking forward to continuing to data we gained from our new tyre test and requests from the riders last year, significant changes since last year so data for Silverstone and Aragon from last work with the existing riders, welcoming in Valencia at the end of last year as part and they requested to use it again in 2011. Continuity of most of our tyre compounds we will continue working in the same season too, but there have been a lot of Toni Elias back and MotoGP rookies Cal of our continued fundamental study for from last year also helps the teams and way. Of course, we are always looking rider changes so we must work hard at Crutchlow and Karel Abraham and his future tyre development in both MotoGP Especially with four practice sessions at riders in times of change as, for example, at aspects of our tyre supply and support developing new relationships to enable us new team Cardion AB Motoracing. and our new road tyres. In 2011 right every race this year, there is more chance Valentino Rossi understands our tyres service that we can improve, but over to ensure fair support of everyone. from the first test we are continuing our of cold Friday and Saturday morning well so this is one fewer new variable the last two years in this situation we What are the aims and objectives fundamental future development work practices so the softer compounds will for him at Ducati, and similarly for Casey have arrived at a system that is working There have been a lot of high-profile for Bridgestone this season? and the technology transfer from MotoGP be even more important this year. Stoner at Honda. well and everyone is happy with, so I see rider changes for this season. Again this year we’ll continue to strive to to the road in our Battlax tyres remains no reason to change. Continuity on our How does that affect the way in provide every rider fairly and equally with very important. The bond and understanding In some ways, the importance of our tyre part is important to provide consistency which you provide tyres and the best level of support and the highest between teams, riders and tyre engineers is even greater for those riders for the riders and teams in their own support to everyone? degree of quality control in our tyres, Are there any changes to the engineers is very important. How who have moved teams as the engineers development programmes. The relationship between Bridgestone and play our part in making for close and tyre line-up in 2011? will the rider changes for this season already have experience of the tyres with and the riders is very important, both for exciting racing in MotoGP. It’s also very affect these working relationships? each team’s bikes and so can support the For this season we’ve developed an new riders with valuable information. From the riders’ perspectives, this season us and for their confidence and trust in important for us to gather as much tyre improved soft compound rear slick tyre These relationships are of course very we will have a permanent us, and for those riders who have moved data as we can from all of the teams and designed to provide better performance important and we have started working return to four practice team this relationship of course still riders to benefit us in our continual road with colder track temperatures. Other hard already to build them with the new sessions each Grand exists, but at their new teams they will tyre development. than that, our tyre line-up remains the riders and those riders who have changed Prix weekend which have a new Bridgestone engineer, and of same as last year, including wet tyres. teams, starting from the Valencia test at will be a consideration course our engineers will have to work the end of last year. for each rider as with new riders. The relationship between The extra soft compound rubber that we to when and how rider and engineer is very important and introduced from Phillip Island last year Of course these riders who have moved they use their tyre so we must all continue to work hard to received positive feedback from the riders will have new Bridgestone engineers allocation, but this build these strongly as quickly as we can. so we will use it again this year right this season but they have already started working well in Valencia so I am very INTRODUCTION TO THE TEAMS Despite being relatively young in the sport, Bridgestone has a rich past with many of the teams. Here, we summarise the major milestones in each of the relationships.

YAMAHA FACTORY RACING REPSOL HONDA TEAM DUCATI TEAM MONSTER YAMAHA TECH3 SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI RIZLA SUZUKI MOTOGP Bike Yamaha YZR-M1 Bike Honda RC212V Bike GP11 Bike Yamaha YZR-M1 Bike Honda RC212V Bike Suzuki GSV-R Web www.yamahamotogp.com Web http://world.honda.com/MotoGP Web www.ducati.com Web www.teamtech3.fr Web www.gresiniracing.com Web www.rizla-suzuki-motogp.co.uk Riders Jorge Lorenzo | Ben Spies Riders Dani Pedrosa | Andrea Dovizioso Riders Valentino Rossi | Nicky Hayden Riders Colin Edwards | Cal Crutchlow Riders Marco Simoncelli | Hiroshi Aoyama Riders Álvaro Bautista Casey Stoner

It was for the 2008 season that Valentino Rossi Whilst Bridgestone’s relationship with Honda The relationship with started in The single tyre supply era of the 2009 season Bridgestone’s history with the Honda Gresini The Suzuki MotoGP Team has been one of the famously switched to Bridgestone’s tyres and has been long-standing in MotoGP, the 2005 with riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos marked the first year of competition for Monster squad started in 2007 with riders Toni Elias longest partners of Bridgestone in MotoGP, promptly won his eighth World title in decisive partnership with the Repsol Honda Team only Checa who took two wins and a further four Yamaha Tech3 on Bridgestone tyres with riders and , who between them having worked together every year since the 2004 form, with nine wins, nine pole positions and started towards the end of the 2008 season podiums in that first year. Four wins came in Colin Edwards and , and yielded scored a total of five podium finishes during season with John Hopkins and Jr. seven podium finishes. At the time, he was when Dani Pedrosa moved to Bridgestone tyres 2006 courtesy of one-race stand-in a podium finish for Edwards at . the year. San Carlo joined as title sponsor for During 2004 and 2005 the relationship delivered a the only Yamaha rider to use the Japanese in time for the Indianapolis Grand Prix, scoring and Capirossi, who finished third in In 2010 the line-up changed to an all American the 2008 season when Bridgestone continued pole position and a podium finish, and a change manufacturer’s tyres, and his switch was three podium finishes from the last five races the championship. affair with Edwards and Ben Spies, whom to supply tyres to Alex de Angelis and Shinya in the manufacturer’s rider line-up saw Chris one of the factors that led to the appointment of the year. In 2009, both Pedrosa and Andrea Bridgestone worked with for three races with Nakano. Their rider line-up changed in 2009 Vermeulen and Hopkins score a further three pole of Bridgestone as the single tyre supplier in Dovizioso scored their first MotoGP victories The 2007 season marked the blossoming of the the Suzuki team in 2008. In 2011 the satellite to de Angelis and Elias, who each scored one position starts and a podium finish in 2006. In 2007 MotoGP at the end of 2008. In 2009, teammate on Bridgestone tyres at Laguna Seca and Bridgestone and Ducati combination though Yamaha squad welcome MotoGP rookie Cal podium finish last season. In 2010, Melandri Vermeulen brought Rizla Suzuki and Bridgestone Jorge Lorenzo also used Bridgestone’s tyres, Donington Park respectively, with a second win as Casey Stoner dominated with ten wins Crutchlow as the 2009 World Supersport rejoined the team alongside MotoGP rookie their first win together at Le Mans and in 2008, as the Official Tyre Supplier, and recorded four coming for Pedrosa at Valencia. In 2010 Pedrosa and a further four podiums to take his and Champion steps up from World Superbikes. Marco Simoncelli who took four sixth place alongside Vermeulen and Capirossi, Ben Spies wins and eight podiums to finish second in the scored four victories to finish second in the Bridgestone’s first World Championship title. finishes and fourth in Estoril. In 2011, Hiroshi completed his first three MotoGP races aboard a championship, behind now nine-time World Championship, whilst Dovizioso scored seven In 2008 with Stoner and Marco Melandri another Aoyama joins Simoncelli for his second season Bridgestone-shod Suzuki machine. In 2010, rookie Champion Rossi. In 2010 it was the turn of Jorge podium finishes and pole position in Japan. six wins followed and in 2009 Ducati’s rider in MotoGP, but Bridgestone have a long- Álvaro Bautista joined the squad from the 250cc Lorenzo to take the World Championship title, In 2011, the duo are joined by Casey Stoner line-up changed to Stoner and Nicky Hayden. standing relationship with Aoyama from the Championship, and in 2011 is the sole Suzuki rider carrying the number 1 plate into 2011. Ben Spies with whom Bridgestone won their first World For the 2011 season Valentino Rossi joins the All Japan Road Racing championship. as the manufacturer enters one MotoGP bike. joins the factory team this year as Rossi bows out Championship title in 2007 with Ducati. team alongside Hayden. Bridgestone have of Yamaha to join Ducati. Spies has worked with worked with Rossi since 2008 and taken two Bridgestone throughout 2010 and for three races World Championship titles with him in 2008 in 2008 with Suzuki and the final race of 2009 as a and 2009. wildcard with the Yamaha Factory Racing Team.

16 www.bridgestonemotorsport.com Tyre severity rating Mild Severe LCR HONDA MOTOGP PRAMAC RACING TEAM Bike Honda RC212V Bike Ducati Desmosedici GP11 2011 CIRCUIT GUIDE Web www.lcr.mc Web www.pramacracing.com Riders Toni Elias Riders Loris Capirossi Tyre compound selection for each grand prix is a fine and carefully calculated art with Randy de Puniet many factors affecting tyre choices. Bridgestone’s General Manager of Motorsport Tyre Development Department Tohru Ubukata provides a technical overview of the 18 circuits in the world championship and the challenge they pose for the tyres. Bridgestone’s single tyre supplier status marked the start of the relationship The Pramac name has appeared in various guises within the MotoGP with LCR Honda MotoGP in 2009 and rider Rider de Puniet, whom Bridgestone paddock in recent years, and their relationship with Bridgestone started in have worked with since 2006 when he competed with the Kawasaki Team 2003 with the Pramac Honda squad and rider Makoto Tamada who scored QATAR Losail 20 March SPAIN Jerez 3 April JAPAN Motegi 24 April for two seasons. In 2011, the LCR squad welcome Toni Elias back to MotoGP, Bridgestone’s first premier class podium. In 2007 the Pramac d’Antin team 01 02 03 having won the inaugural Moto2 Championship in 2010. Bridgestone have ran Ducati machines for and , and for worked with Elias since 2007 when he scored two podiums for the Honda three races. Bridgestone continued to support the Pramac-branded Alice Gresini Team. Another two podiums followed with the Alice Team in 2008, and Team in 2008 with Toni Elias and , before it came back as the in 2009 Elias went back to Honda Gresini and scored one more podium, Pramac Racing Team in 2009, running Niccolo Canepa, , Aleix all on Bridgestone tyres. Espargaro and during the season. In 2010 Mika Kallio and Aleix Espargaro were retained, but in 2011 the line-up changes completely with the arrival of Loris Capirossi, whom Bridgestone have worked with Track Length 4.801 km (2.983 miles) every year since he was with Ducati in 2005, and Randy de Puniet, whom Bridgestone supported in 2006 and 2007 with Kawasaki. Track Length 5.380 km (3.343 miles)

MAPFRE ASPAR TEAM CARDION AB MOTORACING Track Length 4.423 km (2.748 miles) Bike Ducati Desmosedici GP11 Bike Ducati Desmosedici GP11 “After its delay last year due to the Icelandic volcano, Web www.teamaspar.com Web www.karelabraham.com Japan returns to an early slot in the calendar though rain Riders Hector Barbera Riders Karel Abraham “The traditional season-opener, Qatar is the only is always a threat in the mountainous region. Motegi has race of the year to be run at night and in the desert, “Jerez is a technical circuit with a mix of fast and a stop-and-go nature featuring some heavy braking and both of which bring unique challenges. Being run slow corners. It is a good test circuit because of the hard acceleration points which traditionally tend to bunch at night under spotlights, the track temperature is diversity of the corner layout and this means that the field and provide close racing. The surface is also around the lowest of the year in dry conditions but we require a tyre with a very balanced character to high-grip and abrasive which, combined with the circuit’s the desert sand often blows across the circuit, making provide good handling from low speed to high speed nature, places high loads on the tyres. The circuit has Entering the championship in 2010, the inaugural season for Bridgestone The Cardion AB Ducati team are a new entrant for the 2011 season with the slippery surface very abrasive. This makes it very and from flat corners to changes in elevation. The an asymmetric layout as there are not many left-hand and the Aspar team and Hector Barbera yielded two eighth place finishes a rider who is new to MotoGP, having competed in Moto2 in 2010 where tough for tyres, especially on the right shoulders, as surface is smooth which is easier for the tyre’s centre corners. A strong tyre centre section is required here to and regular top ten finishes. Their line-up remains unchanged for 2011, he won the final race of the year in Valencia. they have to be soft enough to provide grip with the section but it is abrasive so harder compound tyres are provide good stability especially under heavy braking and allowing last year’s work to be build upon this season. low track temperature but hard enough to resist wear required to compensate for this. The track temperature hard acceleration, but because of the early calendar slot and graining whilst having sufficient strength for the during the race weekend is historically high too, the temperature can be cool so softer compounds are heavy braking points.” adding to the challenge of durability and wear.” required to provide good warm-up performance.”

Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Fr: Medium, Ex hard Rear: Medium, Hard Fr: Medium, Hard Rear: Soft, Medium Fr: Medium, Hard Rear: Medium, Hard 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) Casey Stoner (Ducati) 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 42m 50.099 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 45m 17.538 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 43m 12.266 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right

18 www.bridgestonemotorsport.com 04 PORTUGAL Estoril 1 May 05 FRANCE Le Mans 15 May 06 CATALUNYA Catalunya 5 June 07 BRITAIN Silverstone 12 June 08 NETHERLANDS Assen 25 June 09 ITALY Mugello 3 July

Track Length 4.727 km (2.937 miles) Track Length 4.185 km (2.600 miles) Track Length 4.542 Km (2.822 miles) Track Length “Assen is a Track Length 5.902 Km (3.667m) Track Length 4.182 km (2.599 miles) smooth circuit that 5.245 km (3.259 miles) requires asymmetric tyres because of the high loads placed on the “The Portuguese GP sees itself run much earlier in “Run one month earlier this year as part of a reshuffle right shoulder of the rear “Mugello is one of the fastest circuits on the calendar 2011 than its slot of late October last year. Estoril’s of the first half of the calendar, Catalunya is a “Last year MotoGP visited for the tyres. Following its modification in 2006 and is tough on tyres because of this speed, the track main challenge comes from the varied nature of smooth but high speed circuit that generates higher first time since 1986 so it was a great challenge for there are two distinct types of tarmac: the new part is temperature that can reach above 50 degrees Celsius, the corners and the imbalance between right- and “Le Mans is a slippery and smooth circuit, and run temperature in the right shoulder of the tyres than Bridgestone to select tyre compounds based on data slippery whilst the old is abrasive, making it particularly and its technically demanding nature. Run one month left-handers. It is one of the highest speed circuits of early in the year when the track temperature is low, the left because of its mostly right-handed nature. and analysis alone. The circuit is very fast and there tricky in the wet. The circuit was also changed slightly later this year, in the height of European summer, the season and there are a combination of fast and so softer compound tyres are required to generate Its surface is quite slippery but generates very are some high lateral loads through corners such for last year’s race when the Ruskenhoek corner was track temperature will be just as important this year. slow corners including the fast long final corner and a grip. It has quite a stop-and-go nature, although the high temperatures in the rear tyres because of its as Maggotts and Becketts, but there are also some smoothed out to reduce the total lap length by 13 The track surface is grippy and abrasive and there are very slow chicane. The low track temperature requires last part of the lap is high speed and requires a strong asymmetric layout. There are eight right-hand corners, areas of heavy braking such as for Stowe which place metres. The tyres have to cope with a wide range of significant elevation changes. The numerous heavy softer compounds to generate grip and good warm-up tyre. Lateral loads placed on the tyres are relatively most of which are long and fast, and only five left- a high strain on the centre section of the front tyre. corners from very slow to high speed and shoulder braking points, especially those that are downhill, performance, but the right shoulder of the rear tyre low but good stability under braking is crucial. The handers, most of which are much slower so there is Last year the track temperature was quite low so grip is crucial. The first few corners are linked as one demand a strong front tyre whilst the many high speed needs to be harder to cope with the temperature circuit has an asymmetric layout that uses the right a significant imbalance between tyre temperatures in warm-up performance is very important, especially on and gradually tighten, requiring good right shoulder corners require good stability and shoulder grip from generated in the last corner. The front tyre needs to shoulders harder, especially on the exit of turn nine. the right and left shoulders, necessitating asymmetric the left side which is used less. The layout requires durability, and corners such as the 200km/h+ Ramshoek the rear tyre. Top speed is one of the highest of the have a strong centre section for stability under The weather is also very unstable which has a tyres. Catalunya is one of the toughest circuits of the asymmetric tyres to balance the demands placed on demand absolute commitment and generate high tyre season and this puts significant strain on the centre braking into the first corner. ” significant impact upon bike settings and tyre choice.” season for the rear tyres.” each side of the rear tyres and tyre temperature.” temperature. ” section of the rear tyres. ”

Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Fr: Soft, Medium Rear: Medium, Hard Fr: Soft, Medium Rear: Soft, Medium Fr: Medium, Hard Rear: Hard, Ex hard Fr: Medium, Hard Rear: Medium, Hard Fr: Soft, Medium Rear: Medium, Hard Fr: Medium, Hard Rear: Medium, Hard 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 46m 17.962 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 44m 29.114 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 43m 22.805 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 41m 34.083 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 41m 18.629 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 42m 28.066 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right

20  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com 10 GERMANY Sachsenring 17 July 11 USA Laguna Seca 24 July 12 CZECH REP Brno 14 August 13 USA Indianapolis 28 August 14 SAN MARINO Misano 4 Sept 15 ARAGON Motorland 18 Sept

Track Length 3.671 km (2.281 miles) Track Length 5.078 Km (3.155 miles) Track Length 3.610 km (2.243 miles) Track Length Track Length 5.403 km (3.357 miles) Track Length 4.226 km (2.626 miles) 4.216 km (2.620 miles)

“Run for the “Since Brno was first time in 2010, we now “Sachsenring starts with two slow right-hand resurfaced in 2008 its surface “Indianapolis is like three tracks in one with an have the benefit of last year’s data corners but then opens into a series of very high “Laguna Seca is the shortest circuit on the calendar has become very abrasive so now poses opening section that was designed for MotoGP, the to draw upon for this season. The Aragon track speed long lefts that sweep onto the back straight but this doesn’t make it any easier for the tyres. The more of a challenge for tyre durability, demanding Formula One infield and the famous oval course. The “The track surface at Misano is smooth and offers surface is relatively smooth and slippery, similar to and to the finish, generating a lot of temperature in Corkscrew is a really demanding corner with the fast harder compounds especially in the front. The corners circuit is generally very abrasive although parts are relatively low grip, but it has a twisty layout so Misano, so we need good grip which suggests softer the left shoulder of the tyres. Owing to the circuit’s change of direction and elevation, but performance are generally fast and flowing so the lateral loads slippery as the three different sections each have the tyres spend a lot of time leant over. Ambient compounds, but there are also some long corners and anti-clockwise layout, much harder compounds through the right-handed turns three and four is generated are high, particularly in the right shoulders. different grip characteristics. This makes it tough conditions are also usually hot so harder compounds some downhill braking points which require greater are required in the left shoulder of the rear tyres critical. These 90 degree corners do not place as The elevation changes challenge the front tyres, for tyres and riders because of the diversity of track are selected to provide better durability. The fast right- stability and thus harder compounds, so compound whereas the right shoulder must offer good warm-up much residual load on the tyres as long corners, but especially into the downhill corners where the weight conditions they have to deal with, and especially tricky handed Curvone corner is where the tyres reach their selection is a balance. The location of the circuit is at performance. It is a short circuit, but the demands most of the corners are left-handers so good warm-up transfer creates extra load. The medium speed corners in the wet. The left shoulder of the rear tyre reaches highest temperature, particularly the rears. A strong quite a high elevation, so the weather conditions are placed on the tyres, the level of abrasion and the track performance is required here in the right shoulders require good shoulder stability from the rear tyres and very high temperature through the high speed lefts centre section of the front tyre is required for good cooler so warm-up performance is important. From temperature are all high so tyre durability and a good to provide sufficient grip to allow the bikes to change good traction on corner exit, and excess sliding around whereas the right shoulder is significantly cooler, stability under frequent braking. Rider smoothness is the track layout and riders’ feedback, we understand bike setup and riding style that uses the tyres well direction quickly. A strong front tyre is very important the flowing lap can rapidly accelerate tyre wear given requiring asymmetric tyres to balance durability with also important to not overwork the tyres as they have that Aragon requires good front tyre stability so this is are crucial.” to cope with the elevation changes.” the abrasiveness of the tarmac. ” warm-up performance in either shoulder.” little opportunity to cool down during a lap.” another key factor.”

Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Fr: Hard, Ex hard Rear: Hard, Ex hard Fr: Medium, Hard Rear: Medium, Hard Fr: Hard, Ex hard Rear: Medium, Hard Fr: Medium, Hard Rear: Hard, Ex hard Fr: Medium, Hard Rear: Medium, Hard Fr: Medium, Ex hard Rear: Soft, Medium 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR Dani Pedrosa (Honda) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) Dani Pedrosa (Honda) Dani Pedrosa (Honda) Casey Stoner (Ducati) 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 28m 50.476 (restarted race) Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 43m 54.873 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 43m 22.638 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 47m 31.615 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 44m 22.059 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 42m 16.530 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right

22 www.bridgestonemotorsport.com 16 AUSTRALIA Phillip Island 16 Oct 17 MALAYSIA Sepang 23 Oct 18 VALENCIA Valencia 6 Nov

Track Length 5.548 km (3.447 miles)

Track Length 4.448 km (2.764 miles)

Track Length 4.005 km (2.489 miles) “Despite being high speed, Phillip Island is generally not tough on most sections of the front and rear tyres because of the low temperature and flowing nature with only “Sepang is characterised by its two long straights, “The venue of the traditional season finale, Valencia is one point of heavy braking in a lap, but the last corner the long lap length and the high track temperature a slippery and technically complex circuit with a slow, actually creates the highest rear tyre temperature which is often above 50 degrees Celsius. It is one twisty asymmetric layout. It’s what we could call a REGULATIONS of the season in the left shoulder. It is long and fast of the fastest circuits of the season and features a busy circuit because the number of corners means that with the riders accelerating at high lean angles, mix of high speed corners and tight hairpins with the tyres are always working, always leant over, and and the stresses demand a special construction of heavy braking. Front tyre stability is crucial under have very little respite. If a bike’s setup isn’t optimised, asymmetric rear tyre in order to cope. We have seen braking, especially at the end of the two fast straights, it is easy to generate excess tyre temperature in the past that the cold and rain can be important and the high speed corners demand good shoulder because of this. With the low track temperature softer factors so softer compounds are generally required grip and durability. Tyre durability and a good bike compounds are required, but a harder compound is to generate good grip. Warm-up performance in the setup are crucial here as the high ambient and track needed in the left shoulder of the rear tyres because right shoulders is also important as the stresses on temperatures mean that there is little cooling effect of the temperature generated by the last corner. the right shoulders are fairly low and there are more on the tyres, but we visit Sepang for winter tests so There are only a few tight right-handers so warm-up left-handers.” everyone has sufficient tyre data.” performance in the right shoulders is important.”

Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Slick tyre compounds available in 2010: Fr: Soft, Medium Rear: Hard, Ex hard Fr: Hard, Ex hard Rear: Medium, Hard Fr: Soft, Medium Rear: Medium, Hard 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR 2010 Winner FRONT REAR Casey Stoner (Ducati) Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 2010 Race time 41m 09.128 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 41m 03.448 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right 46m 44.622 Left Centre Right Left Centre Right

24  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com

2011 TYRE REGULATIONS With a second year of single tyre supply successfully completed, the regulations governing tyre supply to MotoGP remain unchanged for 2011. Here’s a recap of when, what and how many.

Each rider is permitted to Slick tyres During a grand prix weekend, each rider No. of front slick tyres No. of rear slick tyres use a maximum of 18 receives five of each compound of rear For each grand prix Bridgestone will Harder compound 5 or 4 or 3 (rider preference) 5 slick tyres during each select, in advance, two specifications slick tyre, but can choose the split of each Softer compound 3 or 4 or 5 (rider preference) 5 grand prix weekend of front and rear tyre from the following compound of front slick tyres he receives, TOTAL 8 10 (a reduction of two tyres available slick compounds: selecting either four of each compound, from 2009) and eight five of one compound and three of the wet tyres, or ten if every • Front slick tyre compounds: Soft, other or vice versa. Riders make this front tyre selection In the case of a rider being replaced session is deemed wet. Medium, Hard, Extra Hard during a grand prix weekend, after the after this tyre selection deadline, the • Rear slick tyre compounds: Extra soft, first free practice session. replacement rider must use only the Each grand prix weekend, Bridgestone’s slick Soft, Medium, Hard, Extra Hard tyres allocated to the original rider. tyres are available in two compounds and the Each rider is given three of each compound. If every session during the wet tyres available in just a single compound, compound of front slick tyre on the day Front tyre size: 125/600R16.5 Wet tyres weekend is wet, an extra one front and selected by Bridgestone in advance. before the start of official practice. After Rear tyre size: 190/650R16.5 For each grand prix Bridgestone will one rear wet tyre will be supplied to the first practice he can then choose select, in advance, a single specification every rider for the race. Each tyre is allocated specifically to each Additionally, at some circuits the which compounds he would like for of front and rear tyre from the following individual rider and carefully controlled via standard rear slick tyres will be his final two front tyres, allowing each available wet compounds: A wet tyre is defined as a tyre which has a barcode system recorded and monitored replaced by asymmetric rear slick team and rider to select more of the a land to sea ratio of at least 20% overall, by Bridgestone and the FIM. Swapping tyres, in which case Bridgestone compound that best suits their bike • Front wet tyre compounds: Soft, Hard and a minimum ratio of 7% in each third or exchanging of tyres between riders is will select two compounds and the conditions. • Rear wet tyre compounds: Soft, Hard of the section profile. Anything less than forbidden to ensure that every rider has from the following: this is deemed a slick tyre and must exactly the same number and specification Each rider must inform Bridgestone of Front tyre size: 125/600R16.5 make up a rider’s slick tyre allocation. of tyres available to him throughout each • Rear asymmetric slick tyre his selection of front tyre specification no Rear tyre size: 190/650R16.5 grand prix weekend. This is the backbone compounds: Soft, Medium, later than two hours after the end of the As has been the case for the last two of the single tyre supply system. Hard, Extra Hard first practice session. If a rider does not During a grand prix weekend each rider years, there are no intermediate tyres select within this time he will automatically will receive eight wet tyres of a single for the 2011 season. receive one tyre of each compound. No. of fronts No. of rears No. of compounds Slick tyres 8 10 2 No. of front wet tyres No. of rear wet tyres Wet tyres 4 (5 if all wet) 4 (5 if all wet) 1 Single available compound 4 (or 5 if all wet) 4 (or 5 if all wet)

28  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com TYRE ALLOCATION PROCESS The single tyre system is underpinned by one key concept: ensuring the equal and impartial supply of tyres to each and every rider. The tyre allocation process is therefore one undertaken very carefully and precisely.

Not only is a precise approach to tyre On the day prior to the start of official including between team-mates, and Safety allocation needed to ensure that every rider practice, the FIM Technical Director may not be exchanged by Bridgestone In the unlikely event of a tyre being receives the same total number of tyres, will allocate the tyres available for after allocation, except with the accidentally damaged before it is used but strict monitoring and control of the the exclusive use of each rider. The permission of the Technical Director. (for example during the fitting process) allocated tyres is also crucial to guarantee allocation of individual tyres will be and deemed to be unusable by the Tyres may not be materially altered the ongoing integrity of the system. made on a random basis with no Technical Director, it may be replaced in any way, such as hand-cutting involvement of any representative with a tyre of the same specification Each tyre is allocated specifically to an and any other action or treatment from Bridgestone, the teams or riders. with the permission of the Technical individual rider, and barcodes imprinted that will alter the tyre’s performance Director. Such replacement tyres will onto the tyre’s sidewall allow both This allocation should be completed (with the exception of the use of tyre be marked and included in the allocation Bridgestone and the FIM to monitor by 14.00 hrs of the same day and no warmers), unless deemed necessary of the rider concerned. The damaged each rider’s tyre usage at all times. further allocation of tyres is allowed by Bridgestone. Such alterations may tyre will be removed from the allocation after 17.00 hrs on the day prior to the be performed only by Bridgestone with and may not be allocated again. Both Bridgestone and the FIM know start of official practice (except with approval from the Technical Director, exactly whose tyre is whose throughout regard to the final two front tyres, the and shall be made equally for all riders. Once it is used (i.e. has exited pitlane) each weekend, and the monitoring is compounds of which are selected by a tyre may not be replaced because of so effective that Bridgestone could still Each allocated tyre must be marked each rider within two hours of the damage or defect, except in the case of identify the individual tyres used by a with its specification and carry an official finish of the first practice session). damage solely due to a manufacturing specific rider for qualifying at the opening identification label with a unique serial defect or problem, and not due to grand prix of the 2009 season, for example. In the case of a rider change after the number. Tyres may be checked for any other reason such as impact, cut, final tyre allocation has been made, compliance at any time, before or after use. abrasion or accident that is significant The allocation process the replacement rider must use only enough to deem the tyre unsafe to use. The tyre specifications available at the tyres allocated to the original rider. In the case of an interrupted race, a rider must use tyres from his each event are determined by If a replacement tyre is granted, at the Restrictions allocation of marked tyres for the Bridgestone well in advance of each discretion of the Technical Director, it restarted race, but he can change tyres grand prix. Identical tyres of each Riders may use only the tyres allocated must be of the same specification as the using another set from within specification are made available to for their exclusive use. Tyres will be damaged tyre and selected at random his allocation during the interruption. every rider, and the allocated total individually identified and may not by him and/or FIM officials. quantity of each specification of tyres be exchanged between riders, will be the same for every rider.

30 www.bridgestonemotorsport.com BEHIND THE SCENES BRIDGESTONE’S ROAD TYRE LINE UP

DRY GRIP WET GRIP LIFE (WEAR) COMFORT TYRE PRODUCTION PROCESS

BUILDING PROCESS TREAD EXTRUDING PROCESS MIXING PROCESS All Bridgestone tyre production, whether for MotoGP or road tyres, starts with a base of rubber, carbon black and several chemical agents blended in a carefully developed recipe and put through a number of specific processes to achieve the CORD MANUFACTURING / CALENDERING PROCESS CUTTING PROCESS optimum in performance, reliability and safety.

VULCANISING PROCESS STEEL BELT MANUFACTURING PROCESS CUTTING PROCESS

BEAD-MAKING PROCESS INSPECTION PROCESS

36  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com FROM RUBBER TREE TO RACETRACK From being produced in Japan to the warehouse in Germany and beyond, Bridgestone’s MotoGP tyres may have a short life on the track, but their journey takes them across the world.

It all starts with trees Computer-controlled design The logistical challenge serves as a base for Bridgestone’s tyre Bridgestone to continually improve both Bridgestone’s MotoGP tyres are designed Bridgestone’s MotoGP tyres are designed Getting the finished items to all the engineers, technicians and fitting staff. MotoGP and road tyres. and manufactured in Bridgestone’s using powerful computer systems and the Grands Prix around the world is the next On the sidewall of each tyre is printed After serving their purpose on track, every Kodaira factory, near Tokyo, Japan, in the vast amount of data collected from every challenge, and one that Bridgestone takes two barcodes for monitoring and control tyre is returned to Bridgestone at the sort of meticulously controlled and clinical race and test to calculate and simulate very seriously. After all, no tyres equals purposes at the circuit, and to ensure end of each grand prix weekend and the environment you’d expect of a tyre that compounds and construction. no race. the integrity of the single tyre system. return journey begins. Most tyres travel performs on the world stage with the Again, precision is absolutely essential to Upon leaving the factory in Japan, the Each tyre also comes marked with a label back to Speyer where they are put into an world’s best riders. ensure safety and performance at over tyres are shipped either to Bridgestone denoting batch number and compound, energy recovery programme and some Like all of Bridgestone’s tyres though, 300kph, and braking forces approaching Motorsport’s MotoGP base in Speyer, but ensuring the right compounds go return via sea freight to Japan for further the process starts out in the field with 2G. Nothing is left to chance and once the Germany, or on occasion directly to the to the right races is no easy task and detailed technical analysis and more data rubber which is harvested from one of blended material and the computer design overseas races such as Laguna Seca requires more meticulous planning. gathering, thereby completing their circle Bridgestone’s several tree plantations in have come together to produce a tyre, or Malaysia. of life, only a fraction of which is spent south-east Asia, where rubber has been rigorous safety tests follow. At the track actually on track but all of which is a key From Speyer, the correct tyre compounds the main export since the days of the The MotoGP tyres have reached their part of MotoGP. are loaded onto trucks and driven to each British Empire. Common ground with Formula One destination but their journey is still not European Grand Prix early on during the The testing rigs used to ensure quality quite over. Arriving at each circuit three With the rubber as the basic ingredient, week of the race. Sometimes tyres are days before first practice to allow time Bridgestone’s Motorsport Tyre control and suitability of the compound and shipped from Speyer directly to overseas construction of MotoGP tyres are stringent for setup of the fitting area, Bridgestone Development Department uses a very races, along with any coming from Japan, works closely with the FIM to allocate carefully calculated and measured recipe of to assure the highest performance and to ensure that there are always around reliability, and share many similarities with the the tyres to each rider the day before first more than ten different materials to arrive 700 wet and slick tyres of the correctly practice, at which point the tyres are fitted at the optimal blend for each compound, testing procedure for Bridgestone’s Formula selected compounds at every race. One tyres right up until the end of 2010. onto the teams’ wheels and provided to developed over years at the front. each rider ready for usage. Bridgestone Motorsport’s base Change any one of the ingredients or get MotoGP tyres are tested rigorously and finally inspected by hand. This is how Thousands of MotoGP tyres are held at As each rider takes to the track during the the measurement wrong and the whole weekend, an enormous amount of tyre character of the tyre will change, so Bridgestone has come to build such a strong the Speyer base throughout the year to reputation for safety and quality control support teams during both the racing data is collected and stored and it is this consistency and quality control right from data that feeds back into the computer- this early stage is crucial. through the years of competing in MotoGP. season and their winter test programmes. It’s not just a warehouse though, as it also controlled design stage and allows

38  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com FROM RACETRACK TO ROAD There are clear distinctions between the motorcycle tyres used on track and on the road, but lessons learned in the heat of competition help Bridgestone improve tyre technology for all riders.

If you’ve ever wondered why Bridgestone directly into the design and production of The BT-016 PRO also benefits from In short, in the shape of the Battlax BT-016 invests so much time and money in road motorcycle tyres, allowing consumers Bridgestone’s HTSPC and MS Belt PRO road tyre, Bridgestone’s participation MotoGP, and what the return is, then the to benefit directly from Bridgestone’s construction technologies that were in MotoGP means consumers can benefit answer is simple. Of course it works very MotoGP successes. developed specifically for this road tyre from a marked improvement in practical well as a marketing and product promotion using lessons learned in MotoGP to aid performance: greater tyre life, improved The latest Bridgestone road tyre, the Battlax tool, but the biggest return is in the form bump absorption and stability at high speed cornering grip and stability, better wet BT-016 PRO, is the most complete yet at of technology transfer. and under braking, and prevent premature grip and better performance from cold. incorporating true MotoGP technology, as it wear and performance reduction by Working with the best riders, teams and is the first to benefit from a new approach deformation of the tyre with age. engineers in the world, Bridgestone gains to racetrack to road technology transfer. an enormous amount of tyre data and Shoulder Compound Shoulder Compound By adopting a modular approach to feedback that is incredibly precise. When Centre Compound Centre Compound adopting MotoGP technology into road improvements are made, these are proven tyres, Bridgestone have clearly defined in the heat of competition, in the form of three sections of technology transfer: Grip lap records for example, so we know the Evolution, Riding Comfort Evolution technology works. and Tyre Life Evolution, all of which In the current situation of Official Tyre come together in Bridgestone’s most Supply, MotoGP tyres share more desirable advanced supersport road tyre yet. characteristics with road tyres than ever A new compound has been developed before. They must be high performance for the BT-016 PRO incorporating and incredibly reliable of course, but with Bridgestone’s road-going Silica Rich fewer compounds available each must EX and RC Polymer technologies that work across a wider range of temperatures provides greatly enhanced wet grip and track conditions, and wear life must be whilst not sacrificing any dry-weather good so that each riders’ allocation will last performance, and improves warm-up him the whole Grand Prix weekend. performance meaning that the tyre This technical expertise and understanding produces a safe level of grip right is a great asset to Bridgestone, and filters from cold.

40  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com GLOSSARY RESULTS ON BRIDGESTONE TYRES A record of every pole position, podium and World Championship title scored on Bridgestone tyres since the manufacturer’s MotoGP debut in 2002.

Rider Championships Wins 2nd 3rd Podiums Poles is a black powder substance produced Asymmetric tyres Only available as High-side This is a type of crash in Places Places rear tyres, asymmetric slicks comprise a by burning oils in a furnace. It provides which the rear tyre loses grip, either harder compound in one shoulder and a strength and also produces the familiar because of slippery conditions, insufficient 1 Valentino Rossi 2 17 12 10 39 10 softer compound in theCamber other designed black colour of tyres. There are hundreds temperature and too much throttle applied 2 Casey Stoner 1 23 8 11 42 21 for circuits which create higher tyre of kinds of carbon black and each will by the rider or a number of other reasons, 3 Jorge Lorenzo 1 13 10 5 28 12 temperatures in one shoulderangle than the produce a compound with certain and slides sideways. The rear then grips 4 Dani Pedrosa - 6 10 7 23 7 other, usually because of an imbalance properties: improved traction, hardness, and tries to snap back into line with the 5 Loris Capirossi - 6 7 4 17 5 of right- and left-handed corners wear and so on front wheel, and the force often throws 6 Makoto Tamada - 2 1 1 4 3 the rider off Bead Serves as an anchor to hold the Compound Formed by a mixture 7 - 1 3 3 7 3 tyre securely to the wheel rim of various elements used by tyre Low-side The opposite to a high-side, 8 Andrea Dovizioso - 1 3 4 8 1 manufacturers to produce the surface in a low-side crash the front tyre will 9 Troy Bayliss - 1 - - 1 - Belts Belts are one of the core layer of a race tyre, the compound’s most commonly lose grip mid-corner, - - 3 1 4 - components of tyres. They may be steel, 10 Marco Melandri properties vary with the exact blend of either because of excess corner speed, nylon, polyester or other such materials, 11 Toni Elias - - 2 3 5 - ingredients. It is the compound that is insufficient temperature and too great a and form a literal belt around the tyre to 12 John Hopkins - - 1 3 4 1 in contact with the track and therefore lean angle or a number of other reasons, strengthen the tread area and to make the 13 Ben Spies - - 1 1 2 1 one of the major factors in deciding tyre and the bike will slide out from beneath tyre puncture resistant performance, being a trade-off between the rider 14 - - 1 1 2 - Camber angle Measured in degrees, outright grip and durability 15 Randy de Puniet - - 1 1 2 - Polymers One of the core components camber is the inward or outward tilt of 16 Kenny Roberts Jr - - 1 - 1 1 Construction The way in which the of rubber, from one of two main groups: the wheel at its uppermost point when 17 Alex de Angelis - - 1 - 1 - component parts (belt, cords, tread, natural or synthetic compared with the true vertical line at sidewall) of a tyre are constructed 18 Colin Edwards - - 1 - 1 - the centreline of the wheel. Camber determines its ability to support the Sidewall The sidewall is the most 19 Oliver Jacque - - 1 - 1 - angle is the same meaning as lean angle. load of a bike and rider, absorb shocks, important element in transferring engine 20 Nicky Hayden - - - 2 2 - Generally, the greater the lean angle, the transmit traction and braking forces power to the tyres as it connects the wheel 21 - - - 2 2 - higher the lateral force and so the more rim, and therefore the bike, to the tyre tread, and to provide strength to contain 22 Alex Barros - - - 1 1 - demanding on the tyres inflation pressure. The nature of a tyre and therefore the track surface. It carries the load of the bike and rider, firmly supports 23 Jeremy McWilliams - - - - 0 1 Carbon black A molecular structure is dependent upon the way in which the the tyre tread and plays an important role in 24 - - - - 0 1 found in all racing tyres, carbon black component parts are laid and assembled absorbing bumps from the surface TOTAL 4 70 67 60 197 67

42  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Have a question not answered elsewhere in this press pack? Read on for answers to the most commonly asked.

Why are some of Bridgestone’s Who owns the tyres and the rims – What gas is used to inflate the tyres? MotoGP tyres marked with a Bridgestone or the teams? Bridgestone inflates all MotoGP tyres with white band? All of the tyres are owned by Bridgestone, compressed dry air to an initial pressure The white line allows the media and fans and all of the wheel rims are owned of 4bar (58psi) to seal the tyre onto the to easily distinguish between the two by the teams. At the circuit the teams rim before deflating them to 2bar (29psi). available slick tyre compounds that can be will bring their rims to the Bridgestone Compressed dry air is used rather than used at each grand prix. The softer of the fitting area and the tyres will be fitted. nitrogen or carbon dioxide. two slick tyre compounds is marked with Throughout the weekend, as tyres are the white line. removed from rims and new ones fitted, What tyres do the teams use Bridgestone retains all of the tyres. At the when transporting their bikes end of a test or grand prix each tyre is between events? accounted for and they are all returned to Bridgestone retain all of the race tyres Bridgestone Motorsport’s MotoGP base at all times, but teams are provided in Speyer, Germany. A selection of tyres with travel tyres to transport their bikes is sent to the technical centre in Tokyo for between races and also for those teams further analysis and data acquisition. that have showbikes. Travel tyres look just like Bridgestone’s race tyres but are Who pays for the tyres? a much harder compound and do not The tyres are supplied to the teams by contain the same level of material and Bridgestone, who do not get paid for construction technology. this supply. They are supplied under SERVICES Bridgestone’s Official Tyre Supplier contract. For more information or any more questions you may have, please email Tom Tremayne, [email protected]

44  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com BRIDGESTONE MOTORSPORT MEDIA SERVICE Bridgestone Motorsport’s media service is designed to provide access to a comprehensive range of written material and photography both on and off track, catering for all your information needs.

Regular press up-to-date, detailed Consumer information and user-friendly website A MotoGP preview statistics sheet. For further release will be Information available information about distributed the week within the sheet Bridgestone’s prior to each Grand includes circuit details, involvement in Prix. During GP weekend timetable, motorsport please visit the weekends releases and rider and team company’s consumer website statistics. The sheets will be sent out www.bridgestonemotorsport.com. approximately two hours will be distributed after second practice, qualifying and the within the press room or are available to race. Test reports are also distributed at download from the media website. Should the end of most group tests. If you do not you wish to receive them electronically, please email [email protected]. receive these emails, please contact Tom MotoGP Tremayne, [email protected]. Tom Tremayne Press pack Press Officer Media website All pages and selected images from Mob: +44 7590 265120 The Bridgestone Motorsport media the MotoGP press pack are also available Email: [email protected] website provides users with access to download from the media website. to a range of media materials and IZOD IndyCar Series photography. For further details regarding Tyre selection sheets Darla Elkins media website registration please see the On race day of each Grand Prix, a tyre Manager, Motorsports and Product Bridgestone Motorsport media website selection will be distributed via email Public Relations section of this pack. and in the press room, detailing riders’ Tel: +1 615 937 3341 tyre compound choices. If you wish to Email: [email protected] Statistics sheets receive these sheets electronically, For each round of the MotoGP season please email [email protected]. Bridgestone Motorsport will produce an MEET THE BRIDGESTONE MANAGEMENT TEAM These are the men responsible for overseeing Bridgestone’s participation in MotoGP and leading the manufacturer’s rise to the top in motorcycle road racing. Their impressive CVs demonstrate how they each reached the pinnacle of the industry.

Naotaka Horio Hirohide Hamashima Hiroshi Yamada Tohru Ubukata General Manager, Bridgestone Director, Bridgestone Manager, Bridgestone General Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department Motorsport Tyre Development Motorsport Department Motorsport Tyre Development Department

Personal Profile Personal Profile Personal Profile Personal Profile Year of birth: 1960 Year of birth: 1952 Year of birth: 1959 Year of birth: 1963 Place of birth: Fukuoka, Japan Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan Place of birth: Gunma, Japan Lives: Tokyo, Japan Lives: Tokyo, Japan Lives: Tokyo, Japan Lives: Tokyo, Japan Hobbies: Rugby Hobbies: Winning championships Hobbies: Golf, Tennis Hobbies: Skiing, driving and golfing and wine

Career Profile Career Profile Career Profile Career Profile 1984 Joined Bridgestone Corporation after graduating 1977 Joined Bridgestone Corporation after graduating 1980 Joined Bridgestone Corporation after graduating 1985 Joined Bridgestone Corporation after graduating from university. Assigned to Bridgestone’s tyre in polymer physics in mechanical engineering in mechanical engineering export sales department 1980-81 Moved to the passenger car tyre development 1980-89 Worked as a test rider for motorcycle tyres at 1985-87 Worked in the tyre research and development 1989-92 Moved to the product planning and marketing department Bridgestone Technical Centre’s testing department department, initially on winter tyre development department, based in Tokyo 1981-83 Moved to the UK as Technical Manager for 1990 Moved to development and worked 1987 Moved to the motorsport tyre development 1992-94 Moved to Bridgestone / Firestone UK motorsports as an engineer for the All-Japan Road Racing department Championship series 1994-96 Joined Bridgestone / Firestone Europe S.A., 1983-96 Returned to Japan to work in research and 1987-94 Worked on the development of Formula 3000 tyres based in Brussels development and to provide technical support to F2, 1991 Began working in the GP125 World Championship F3000, Grand Champion, Touring Cars and Group C. as an engineer 1995-96 Worked on the development of IndyCar tyres 1996-06 Established and was Manager of Bridgestone’s Was also involved in the early development of the Worked on the development of Formula One tyres F1 operation in the UK F1 programme and was responsible for the DTM 1992-00 Became coordinator of Motorcycle Racing at 1996-03 and subsequent ITC technical projects, as well as Bridgestone’s head office and took on responsibility General Manager of Bridgestone’s Motorsport 2003-10 Became manager for Formula One tyre development 2006-Present the start-up of the IndyCar and the F1 projects for the World Grand Prix Championship Department, based in Japan in the Motorsport Tyre Development Department. In late 2003 moved to the Motorcycle Tyre 1997-Present Director of Bridgestone Motorsport’s tyre 2001-06 Became Manager of Motorcycle Racing and headed Development Department as Development Manager development, including Formula One and MotoGP, Bridgestone’s WGP500 project in 2001, which for MotoGP, responsible for all the MotoGP based at the Bridgestone Technical Centre in Tokyo resulted in Bridgestone’s entry into the World Grand Prix Championship 500cc class in 2002. development activity Also responsible for AMA Supercross/Motocross, Became General Manager of Bridgestone Motorsport All-Japan Road Racing and Motocross Championships 2011 Tyre Development Department, continuing his 2007-Present Moved to the Motorsport Department as the work in MotoGP whilst leading all motorsport tyre Manager overseeing all MotoGP activity development

WHO’S WHO IN THE PADDOCK

Bridgestone Engineer Bridgestone

MASAO AZUMA MASAO

Bridgestone Engineer Bridgestone

PETER BAUMGARTNER PETER Press Officer Press

TOM TREMAYNE TOM

Chief Coordinator Chief

THOMAS SCHOLZ THOMAS

TAKU ARAI TAKU

Chief of Service of Chief

Motorsport Department Motorsport

Coordinator, Bridgestone Bridgestone Coordinator,

AXEL WILHELM AXEL

Communications

MotoGP Marketing Marketing MotoGP

DEBBIE BEALE DEBBIE

Bridgestone Engineer Bridgestone

KLAUS NÖHLES KLAUS

Bridgestone Engineer Bridgestone YUKIHIKO KUBO YUKIHIKO

Bridgestone Engineer Bridgestone STEVE JENKNER STEVE

50  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com BRIDGESTONE MOTORSPORT MEDIA WEBSITE Visit the media section of the Bridgestone Motorsport website to access a range of news stories, features, photographs and press releases.

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For all media enquiries, please contact Tom Tremayne, [email protected] INFO

52  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com MOTORSPORT CONTACT INFORMATION

Bridgestone Motorsport’s media service is designed to provide access to a comprehensive range of written material and photography both on and off track, catering for all your information needs.

MotoGP IZOD INDYCAR SERIES Tom Tremayne Darla Elkins Press Officer Manager, Motorsport/Consumer M: +44 7590 265120 Product T: +44 208 607 3908 Public Relations E: [email protected] T: +1 615 937 3341 E: [email protected] Debbie Beale MotoGP Marketing Communications Bridgestone/Firestone M: +44 7766 088713 North American , LLC T: +44 208 607 3907 10/F, 535 Marriott Drive, E: [email protected] Nashville, TN 37214, USA

Bridgestone Motorsport c/o Jardine International Upper Deck, Phoenix Wharf Eel Pie Island Twickenham TW1 3DY, UK BRIDGESTONE IN MOTORSPORT 1994 Six World Championship karting titles in Formula Super A From Le Mans to the Paris-Dakar and from karting to Formula One Eight World Championship karting titles in Formula A and MotoGP, Bridgestone has an illustrious racing heritage in the World Cup karting title in Formula A world’s leading championships on both two and four wheels. 1991- Formula Super A European Karting Championship 2008-2010 2001 Six Formula A European Karting Championships Bridgestone Bridgestone Formula Super ICC European Karting Championship 2008 Bridgestone has been at the fore-front of innovation 1991- is Official Tyre supports Sole supply and development in motorsport since making its racing 1996 2007- Supplier to the FIA debut at the first Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka in 1963. Bridgestone Masters of F3 2008 to GP2 Formula One World 1991- participates 2007 Asia Series It is now 35 years since the Bridgestone Motorsport Championship. 2009 department was first established in Japan in 1976. 1994 in DTM (ITC), Bridgestone- commences claiming both 2005 Bridgestone sees Bridgestone- Bridgestone championship is sole shod team and 1991 teams take four 2002 Sole supply rider claim FIM shod F1 teams and Bridgestone’s sporting heritage is extensive: consecutive titles in the supplier to Bridgestone second year to the GP2 enters the victories at Bridgestone FIA Formula MotoGP World drivers claim their WGP 125cc Monaco F3 2000 Series 1990s starts One World Championship tenth Drivers and Championship Sole tyre supply commences Participation in 1999- participation in Championship titles Constructors World Indy Lights (with 2000 to IRL (with MotoGP. Sole for the Championship titles Firestone then Firestone) and tyre supplier Dayton brands) Bridgestone CART (with second time 1980s commences 1998- to CART (later is sole tyre Firestone) CCWS) (with Bridgestone-shod team claims 2004 supplier to commences first win in the maiden year of both 1997- FIA Formula Bridgestone European F2 and European F3000 Bridgestone- brand) 1970s participation 1998 shod teams take One World Championship commences Participation commences Bridgestone-shod teams finish 1-2 1997 Bridgestone- consecutive in a string of series in first attempt at Paris-Dakar Entered FIA shod teams take F1 Drivers and 1963 including the Le Mans Full Le Mans programme 24hrs Endurance race, 1996 Formula championship Constructors Bridgestone first begins One World steps into the Daytona 24hrs, F2000, Entered IRL (Indy titles in FIA-GT World competitive world F2, F3, Australian Touring 1995 Racing League) Championship Championship Cars and karting of motorsport Entered CART (with Firestone) titles at the Nihon (with Firestone) Grand Prix 2009 – 2011 Bridgestone is Official Tyre Supplier to the FIM MotoGP For further information please visit: www.bridgestonemotorsport.com World Championship

56  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com MAKE CARS GREEN MAKE CARS GREEN is an international environmental campaign, aimed at reducing the impact of motoring on our planet. It is a campaign in which Bridgestone is pleased to partner the Fédération Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA) in promoting.

Building on the MAKE CARS GREEN aims to reduce the Check your tyre principles outlined in impact of motoring on the environment pressures frequently the FIA’s declaration by educating drivers about more • A well-inflated tyre decreases on air quality, climate environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient the and thereby change and automotive driver behaviour. With the cooperation increases efficiency. fuel economy, the of automobile clubs in each country, ‘MAKE CARS GREEN’ campaign Bridgestone and its group companies • Driving on tyres with air pressure at outlines how policy makers, industry are promoting “10 points for greener 50kPa (0.5kg/cm²) lower than it should and consumers can all play a constructive motoring” throughout the world to be decreases fuel efficiency by two per role in the future. encourage drivers to “think green” cent and four per cent respectively in when they drive. urban and suburban areas. As well as the new global standard for • Consider fitting your car with tyre fuel economy, the other policy objective *10 points for greener motoring pressure monitoring systems that of the campaign is to reduce the impact • Buy Green allow you to know when you need of motoring on the environment through • Plan your journey to refill your tyres. the promotion of more environmentally • Check tyre pressures frequently friendly and fuel efficient driver • Reduce loads and avoid the need • A correctly inflated tyre increases behaviour. This includes the introduction for roof racks the grip on the road and therefore of new technologies to help motorists • Don’t warm up your engine before is not only a greener but a safer tyre. monitor their environmental impact; the starting off improvement of tyre design to help save • Use air conditioning only when energy; and the promotion of the global necessary use of unleaded and sulphur free fuels. • Accelerate gently and keep your speed constant • Use engine braking • Don’t idle your engine • Offset your CO² emissions www.makecarsgreen.com

58  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com DID YOU KNOW? Clean energy of the market for 30 years. In 2004, Bridgestone are the Official Tyre Supplier to the MotoGP World Championship, Bridgestone formulated EVASAFE, an Bridgestone sold more than one million but that is just one aspect of the multinational corporation. bicycles in Japan. Bridgestone Cycle is the Here’s a look at Bridgestone’s diversified business activities. adhesive film that fastens silicon cells to glass in solar modules. The strength of official sponsor of X2 Tokyo, which aims EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) film is that it to increase the distribution of bicycles becomes transparent and colourless when among the residents of Tokyo in order Bridgestone Motorsport is just one part Radial) which provides four key benefits: to improve convenience and establish of a global company that employs over increased resistance to external damage; heated, while its waterproof and UV resistant characteristics make it the perfect bonding lifestyles that have a favourable effect 137,000 people and sells products in more a reduced chance of tyre destruction on the environment. than 150 countries around the world. Tyres through busting or tread separation even agent for solar units. EVA film is a critical constitute the majority of Bridgestone’s if damage occurs; reduced tyre weight component of solar modules, which are in increasing demand as a clean energy source. electrical power to maintain the image, consolidated sales, though the company for better fuel economy; and improved making AeroBee a medium that could produces far more than just tyres. abrasion resistance. 4200 tons is the scheduled potentially reduce paper displays in the future. Electronic paper contributes both Potenza S001 Seismic Isolator monthly production capacity of to forest preservation by conserving paper Bridgestone’s latest Potenza ultra-high The Bridgestone EVA film at Bridgestone’s Iwata resources and to the prevention of global performance sports car road tyre combines ‘Multi-Rubber plant from the first half of 2012. warming by saving power. the latest tyre technology, developed Bearing’ seismic in two- and four-wheeled racing across isolator is a prime The Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations 0.29mm is the thickness the globe, with Bridgestone’s Ecopia illustration of manufacturing plant in Aiken County, USA, technology for a top performing road tyre Bridgestone’s is only the second tyre plant in the world, of Bridgestone’s AeroBee for the world’s most powerful sports cars The scale of these tyres is vast: cutting-edge along with Bridgestone’s Warren Country electronic paper. with decreased rolling resistance. The technology with plant, to have attained LEED (U.S Green Bridgestone’s most impressive, Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Potenza S001 meets the trend to more practical safety Golf fuel efficient motoring with a lighter belt for use in 400 ton dump trucks, implications. A Environmental Design) certification. construction than the previous Potenza measure 4 metres in diameter seismic isolator is Bridgestone is a proud and prolific producer generation and reduced rolling resistance and weigh 5.1 tons each. used to protect structures from earthquake Electronic paper of golf equipment, from clothing to clubs, and higher fuel efficiency. damage by permitting some movement Bridgestone is also responsible for bags and balls, and is the title sponsor of Aircraft tyres in the foundations, thereby preventing inventing the world’s largest-class, thinnest the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Industrial tyres Bridgestone has also been producing cracking and collapse of brick and concrete- flexible colour display, the Quick Response Invitational until 2014. aircraft tyres for over 60 years. Aircraft work. Japan’s Osaka railway hospital, the Liquid Powder Display. The electronic For the past 30 years Bridgestone has been Bicycles an innovator in the field of industrial tyres, tyres operate at high loads and are Los Angeles City Hall and Bridgestone’s paper, branded AeroBee, is an alternative supplying a range of products for mining, therefore manufactured to be extremely R&D Centre are just three high-profile to liquid crystal displays (LCD) and can be Bridgestone produce a range of bicycles construction, highway and port services. strong, so Bridgestone developed RRR examples of Bridgestone’s seismic used for displaying anything from text to in Japan, from commuting models to technology (Revolutionary Reinforced isolators in effective use. photographs in full colour. It requires no race bikes, and have been at the forefront

60  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com WORLD PR CONTACTS

ASIA PACIFIC CANADA AND USA INDIA KOREA MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA TURKEY Derek Chiang Jeremy Smith Deepak Thomas Jinwoo Song Daisuke Hotta Deniz Turna Marketing Executive Manager, Community & Corporate Relations Manager Marketing Manager of Business Planning Section Manager, Consumer Tyre Marketing Brand Manager Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Bridgestone Americas, Inc. Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd. Bridgestone Tyre Sales Korea Ltd. Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE Brisa Bridgestone Sabanci Tyre 83 Clemenceau Avenue 535 Marriott Drive Plot No 5/4, 5th Floor, 11th Floor, Sambu Bldg. 676 PO Box 16813, Jebel Ali Free Zone Manufacturing and Trading Co. #11/05-08 UE Square Nashville, TN 37214. USA Mirchandani Business Park Yeoksam-Dong, Kangsam-Gu Dubai. United Arab Emirates Kisikli cad. Sehit Tegmen Ismail Moray Sok. Singapore 239920 Tel: +1 615 937 1421 Shalimar Onyx, Off. Andheri Kurla Road Seoul 135-080. Korea Tel: +971 4 8833933 No. 2/1, 34662, Altunizade, Istanbul. Turkey Tel: +65 6303 9570 Fax: +1 615 937 1414 Sakinaka Tel: +82 2 3210 2487 Fax: +971 4 8833978 Tel: +90 216 544 35 00 Fax: +65 6303 9564 Email: [email protected] Andheri (E) Mumbai 400072. India Fax: +82 2 3210 2488 Email: [email protected] Fax: +90 216 544 35 35 Email: [email protected] Tel: +91 97 6904 0102 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] CHINA Fax: +91 22 4249 6460 RUSSIA AUSTRALIA Kazuhiko Mimura Email: [email protected] LATIN AMERICA Eduard Faynshteyn Stanley Toh Director, Consumer Tire Sales & Marketing Amelia Vives Marketing Specialist General Manager - Marketing Division JAPAN Community and Corporate Relations, Bridgestone Russia Bridgestone Australia Ltd Bridgestone (China) Investment CO.,LTD Jun Matsunaga Latin America Regional Co-ordinator Dnepropetrovsky Prozed 4A Moscow 196 Greenhill Road 8th Floor,No.98, Middle Huaihai Road Public Relations Section Bridgestone Mexico, Darwin 74 Russian Federation 117545 Eastwood SA5063. Australia LuWan District, Shanghai Bridgestone Corporation 11590, Anzures Tel: +7 495 921 2891 Tel: +61 8 8206 0200 China 200021 Corporate Communications Dept Mexico DF, Mexico Fax: +7 495 921 2895 Fax: +61 8 8206 0399 Tel: +86 21 5131 1888 10-1 Kyobashi 1-Chome, Chuo-ku Tel: +52 55 5626-6673 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: +86 21 5027 6768 Tokyo 104-8340. Japan Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +81 3 3563 6811 SINGAPORE BRAZIL (Address correct as of April 2010) Fax: +81 3 3567 4615 MALAYSIA Chia Tien Yao Maria Teresa Orlandi Email: [email protected] Alice Chong Assistant Marketing Manager Marketing EUROPE Senior Marketing Executive Bridgestone Tyres Sales Singapore Pte. Ltd. Bridgestone do Brasil Gert Meylemans Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd 10 Science Park Road Av. Queirós dos Santos, 1717 Senior Manager Corporate PR 9th Floor, West Wing & Centrelink #02-08 The Alpha, Singapore Science Park II 09015-901, Santo André, SP Bridgestone Europe NV/SA Wisma Consplant 2, No. 7, Jalan SS16/1 Singapore 117684 Brazil Kleine Kloosterstraat 10 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor D.E. Malaysia Tel: +65 6777 4181 [Ext. 641] Tel: +55 11 4433 1639 1932 Sint Stevens Woluwe (Zaventem) Tel: +6 03 5621 0270 Fax: +65 6777 3493 Fax: +55 11 4433 1098 Belgium Fax: +6 03 5621 0320 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +32 2 714 6840 Email: [email protected] Fax: +32 2 714 6889 Email: [email protected]

62  www.bridgestonemotorsport.com

2011 MOTORSPORT CALENDAR MOTOGP IZOD INDYCAR FORMULA NIPPON CIK KARTING SUPER GT

Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues JAN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 FEB 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 MAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 ST. PETERSBURG, USA LOSAIL, QATAR APR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 BARBER, USA LONG BEACH, USA SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL JEREZ, SPAIN MOTEGI, JAPAN ESTORIL, PORTUGAL SUZUKA, JAPAN OKAYAMA, JAPAN FUJI, JPN MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 BRAZIL INDY 500, USA PORTUGAL LE MANS, FRANCE MOTEGI, JAPAN FUJI, JPN SUZUKA, JAPAN JUN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 TEXAS, USA MILWAUKEE MILE, USA IOWA SPEEDWAY, USA MONTMELO, CATALUNYA SILVERSTONE, BRITAIN ASSEN, HOLLAND AUTOPOLIS, JAPAN SEPANG, MALAYSIA WACKERSDORF, GERMANY JUL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TORONTO, CANADA EDMONTON, CANADA MUGELLO, ITALY SACHSENRING, GERMANY LAGUNA SECA, USA FUJI, JAPAN SUGO, JAPAN ZUERA, SPAIN AUG 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 MID-OHIO, USA NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA INFINEON RACEWAY, USA BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC INDIANAPOLIS MOTEGI, JAPAN SUZUKA, JAPAN SEPT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 BALTIMORE, USA MOTEGI, JAPAN USA MISANO, SAN MARINO MOTORLAND, ARAGON SUGO, JAPAN FUJI, JAPAN GENK, BELGIUM SARNO, ITALY OCT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 KENTUCKY, SPEEDWAY LAS VEGAS, USA PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA SEPANG, MALAYSIA AUTOPOLIS, JAPAN MOTEGI, JAPAN NOV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 RICARDO TORMO, VALENCIA SUZUKA, JAPAN FUJI, JAPAN FUJI, JAPAN DEC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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