Bridgestone F1 tyres expert reflects on lessons learned during 14 years
For Formula 1 fans he is one of the most recognisable faces off the track - Hirohide Hamashima, the director of motorsport tyres development for Bridgestone.
And as the Japanese tyres manufacturer speeds closer to the end of its 14-years as a supplier to the sport, Hamashima has been reflecting back on the valuable lessons they have learned on the track which have been applied to their tyres for the road.
Hamashima said: “Our tyre simulation technology was established by Formula 1 and this assists us with the development of all our tyres. We also have very good technology for evaluating the surface of a circuit which is also very valuable for us. The compound technology we have learnt is applicable to low rolling resistance tyres. Our 14 years of study in F1 is now reflected in Bridgestone’s standard production.”
And after pondering the new challenges that face Bridgestone in the future, he added: “Well, F1 tyres are very light and have good grip and good wear rates, so maybe we can still find good technology from F1 tyres, for normal road car tyres.”
Alex Kapadia, Operations Team
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
