The Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone is mulling a Formula 1 return. With FIA already floating tender for an official tyre manufacturer, Bridgestone could return in 2025. It has put Italian tyre maker Pirelli on the edge. Pirelli has been the tyre supplier since 2011, taking over from Bridgestone. However, things could soon change.
“The deadline for applicants was 15 May, with the FIA now going through the process of evaluating the proposals from interested parties before making a call on who the approved bidders are on 16 June,” Motorsport.com cited sources as saying.
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It was solely responsible for Formula 1’s tyre needs from 2007-10. This came in soon after Michelin decided to bid adieu to the sport in 2006. Even leaving F1 aside, this is not the first for the Japanese brand’s presence in Motorsports.
Bridgestone’s subsidiary brand Firestone is the official Tyre supplier in IndyCar. Now, with Bridgestone posing competition for the Italian company, it is a healthy opportunity for F1 owner Liberty Media to cash in some bucks.
However, there is no official update from FIA’s end on the name and details of the applicants. Bridgestone was earlier involved in F1 for more than a decade.
Bridgestone eyes other Motorsports Including Formula 1
This time around, it is again about the love story of Formula 1 and Japan. Recently, while talking to Autosport, Bridgestone’s manager of motorsports planning Eiichi Suzuki opened up about exciting prospects.
“We are always thinking about what and how we can best supply our motorsports activities in global categories, including F1. Of course, we are conducting research on such matters,” said Suzuki.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the company took a rather secretive take on this situation.
“Bridgestone has a heritage of over 60 years in motorsports and we will continue to pursue sustainable global motorsports activities. However, we refrain from commenting on any particular categories,” said the insider as reported by Autosport.
Even during the last negotiating cycle, Pirelli received a challenge from the South Korean company Hankook.
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