Bridgestone Brno MotoGP rider tire choice analysis

Round 10: Czech Republic GP – Race
Automotodrom Brno, Sunday August 15, 2010

Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Hard, Extra Hard Rear: Medium, Hard

After a damp warm-up session in the morning the Czech Republic Grand Prix, during which it was only the second time this season that Bridgestone’s wet tires have been used, the forecast rain stayed away and made for a dry race at the Automotodrom Brno circuit. Every rider raced on the harder option front and softer option rear Bridgestone slick tires, exactly the same tire compounds as they used during yesterday’s qualifying session. Bridgestone’s tire selection for this grand prix was exactly the same as it was for Brno last year, apart from a modified medium compound used in the softer option rear tire that has set lap records at Jerez, Silverstone, Assen and Laguna already this season.

With every rider on the same tires, the race was a direct test of each rider and machine package. Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo was strongest over the 22 laps, and he led from the first lap to the flag to take his seventh win of the season. Dani Pedrosa pushed hard for the Repsol Honda Team and kept close to Lorenzo in the opening laps but ultimately had to settle for second, whilst Ducati’s Casey Stoner passed Ben Spies for the final step of the podium.

Hiroshi Yamada – Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department
“I’d like to congratulate Jorge and the Fiat Yamaha Team for their victory here in Brno. They are having a remarkable season and are proving to be very strong at every race. Conditions this weekend have been very difficult for the teams, but with every rider on the same tires it really put the emphasis on the combination of rider and machine.”

Tohru Ubukata – Manager, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire Development Department
“I think this grand prix has been difficult for the teams and riders because the dry running has been interrupted by rain throughout the weekend, with Friday’s practice cut short, a damp start to Saturday’s practice and a wet warm-up session this morning. We also experienced high winds during the race and I think the combination of these factors resulted in the total race time being slower than last year’s record time. Our tires were exactly the same as those we brought to Brno last year, apart from the improved medium compound rear tire we have been using this season. Overall I am happy with tire performance this weekend despite the difficult conditions and the lower track temperature that was ten degrees Celsius cooler than last year. Now we hope for good weather tomorrow when we continue with our important front slick tire testing at this circuit.”

Jorge Lorenzo – Fiat Yamaha Team – Race Winner
“Today I was hungry after the crash yesterday. I made quite a good start and pushed at the maximum, but it was a difficult race because of a lot of wind not helping with the laptimes. We have a big lead in the championship and the seventh victory this year is fantastic.”

Top ten classification (Sunday 14:00 GMT+2)