Toyota confirm switch to Bridgestone

[Dino Scuderia]

Williams and Red Bull to follow it is speculated.

Toyota confirms Bridgestone switch!

As we revealed yesterday, Williams and Toyota have switched from the Michelin rubber to their Japanese rivals at Bridgestone for the 2006 season and Michelin will be holding a press conference at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in a few hours time to announce their partner teams for the upcoming championship season.



Toyota’s John Howett has confirmed ahead of time that the Cologne based squad definitely wont be on the list and that they are anticipating a good relationship with Ferrari and Bridgestone in 2006.



"It was a difficult decision to switch as Michelin is a fantastic and very competitive partner,” he said in Spa. “Ferrari is a mythical team and we are very proud to work with them in the future. We want to win but Ferrari is strong and extremely competitive. It will be hard"



Eduardo Michelin has arrived in the paddock today and the rest will become clear very soon.

http://www.gp2005.com/news/controlle...&news_id=14404

[pimento]

Good for the sport, to give Bridgestone the data it needs to improve their gear.

[Wouter Melissen]

Originally Posted by Toyota

Belgian Grand Prix - Update
Saturday 10 September 2005

Following recent press speculation, Panasonic Toyota Racing wishes to clarify the situation regarding its tyre supply.

Toyota can confirm that it is in advanced negotiations with Bridgestone over tyre supply for its Formula One team in 2006 but no agreement has been signed.

The decision to consider a switch of tyre supplier has been made by Toyota.

This is what Toyota just sent me about this situation.

[Jack_Bauer]

Originally Posted by John Howett

"It was a difficult decision to switch as Michelin is a fantastic and very competitive partner,” he said in Spa. “Ferrari is a mythical team and we are very proud to work with them in the future. We want to win but Ferrari is strong and extremely competitive. It will be hard"

Hmmm, the Toyota man seems more interested in the fact that they're gonna be affiliated with and working with Ferrari than working with Bridgestone. Seems a strange decision to switch tyre supplier just because Ferrari are using the same tyre!

[Dino Scuderia]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

Hmmm, the Toyota man seems more interested in the fact that they're gonna be affiliated with and working with Ferrari than working with Bridgestone. Seems a strange decision to switch tyre supplier just because Ferrari are using the same tyre!

I think it has more to do with Michelin leaving after 2006, teams want to begin their relationships and developement for the future....it's as important for them as B'stone.

[Jack_Bauer]

WilliamsF1 are now confirmed with Bridgestone for next season.