Bridgestone Motorsport and its four teams are keen to keep up the pressure on their rivals this weekend as they prepare to do battle in Monza (Italy) at the final European round of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Michael Schumacher and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro may have wrapped up the titles but there will be no easing off as the Bridgestone equipped drivers and teams have four races remaining in the season. Furthermore, Monza presents Formula One with a unique challenge as it is the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar, with cars reaching speeds of over 350km/h at no fewer than three separate sections of the circuit. A Bridgestone equipped driver has won the past two, consecutive Italian Grands Prix.

Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Motorsport: "The Italian Grand Prix is a great race to finish the European F1 season with because the atmosphere there is always very special. It was fabulous to see Michael Schumacher claim his seventh Drivers’ World Championship title recently in Belgium at Ferrari’s 700th Grand Prix and no doubt the Tifosi will be out in force as a result to see them in action for themselves. Italy is home to two Bridgestone equipped teams: Ferrari and Minardi Cosworth; and also three drivers: Giancarlo Fisichella, Giorgio Pantano and Gianmaria Bruni – so we are never short of supporters whenever we visit Monza! This has undoubtedly been a hugely successful season so far for Bridgestone but we do, however, remain focussed on the job ahead which is to provide the most competitive tyres possible for our drivers as the battle heats up for the end of the season."

2004 Tyres for Monza

1,400 Bridgestone Potenza Formula One tyres are on their way to the Italian Monza circuit this week. These comprise of six different dry weather specifications, one wet weather specification and one extreme weather specification for Bridgestone’s four teams. Due to the high speed nature of the circuit, these specifications have been chosen from the mid to hard compound range.

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager: "We had several days of successful testing last week in Monza with all of our teams and have subsequently selected six specifications of dry weather tyre for this weekend’s race. Speed is a major factor at the Monza track where the cars can reach up to 360km/h. This exerts a lot of force on the tyres and heat durability is an issue – wear, however, tends to be quite low. We do expect most teams to employ a two stop strategy in Monza. Last week’s test was very positive and we are looking forward to being competitive this weekend."