Bridgestone to exit F1 after next season

ERJ staff report (DS)

Tokyo -- Bridgestone Corp. is to withdraw from F1 sport at the end of the 2010 season. The company said it will not enter into a new tyre supply contract with the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) series; the current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2010 season.

The company suggested that it made the decision in the face of the continued economic crisis and the need to divert resources into development activities which directly benefit Bridgestone's commercial efforts.

The departure of Bridgestone will leave a gap in tyre supply to the F1 series. Michelin as the biggest tyre supplier in the world is unlikely to step up, due to historical conflicts. Goodyear might seek to participate, but that appears unlikely, while few other companies could afford the estimated $200 million needed to supply the series each year.

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Press release from Bridgestone