MotoGP – Preview Brno – Bridgestone Preview

With the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic, the eleventh round of the MotoGP World Championship scheduled for Sunday 16 August on the Brno track, the second part of the season begins after the usual mid-season summer break. Since 1987, the Brno track has hosted the MotoGP Grand Prix every year, except in 1992, for a total of 22 Grands Prix held. The circuit layout features a balance of eight right-handers and six left-handers. The road surface was renewed last year and is more abrasive: for this reason the Japanese company will bring front slick tires with hard and extra hard compounds. As regards the rear tire, the type of slick tire with medium and hard compound was selected. The 5,4 km long track is the second longest of the season but is not particularly demanding on the tyres, considering the balance between right and left corners. In recent editions the Japanese manufacturer has always achieved positive results on the Brno track. In the last three seasons, three Bridgestone-tyred riders have achieved victory: twice the Ducati Marlboro team with Loris Capirossi and Casey Stoner, in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and last year the Fiat Yamaha team with Valentino Rossi. Furthermore, in the last edition held the first eight drivers to reach the finish line all used Bridgestone tyres.

Hiroshi Yamada – Head of Bridgestone Motorsport

“We are looking forward to returning to competition after the well-deserved summer break and the Brno circuit is traditionally a circuit favorable to the Bridgestone brand. In the last editions we achieved three consecutive victories and we have excellent memories of this track. This year, as sole tire suppliers for all teams, our challenge will be to ensure tires that perform well to deliver another great show. So far this season we have seen some particularly competitive races and the fight for the Championship is particularly close so I am convinced that on this occasion too we will see a very close race until the end. The Grand Prix of the Czech Republic takes place immediately after a MotoGP demonstration event organized in Vienna for all the fans who we are pleased to have supported.”

Tohru Ubukata – Bridgestone Motorsport Development Manager

“The Brno track is the second longest on the calendar and has a balance of right-handers and left-handers. Since the road surface was renewed in 2008 the circuit has become more abrasive, so we will bring the harder compound type for the front, while medium and hard compound tires will be available for the rear tyre. The circuit features an undulating configuration and requires careful set-up and a linear driving style. During the race weekend the weather conditions are often unpredictable, as in recent editions, so we hope that the performance of our tires will be optimal in all conditions."

Bridgestone MotorSport