Qatar test: Bridgestone start 2010 tyre testing!

Bridgestone bosses confirmed that tyres tested during this week’s night test session in Qatar will form part of the rubber developed for the 2010 MotoGP world championship.

With more testing restrictions being introduced for 2009 as part of a raft of cost-cutting measures to counter the global economic crisis, the cuts in track time will limit Bridgestone’s ability to develop new tyres for 2010.

New rules recently implemented mean no Grand Prix rider can test during the season, while winter testing will be slashed even further for 2010 to help save money.

Tohru Ubukata, Bridgestone’s tyre development manager said: “The recent FIM regulation changes have affected our development plan so looking now at development for 2010 is very important.

“We now have to finish 80 per cent of our development for next season during this winter testing period because in-season testing has been significantly reduced.

“As a result, as well as bringing the soft and medium compound tyres from this year’s line-up, we brought some new compounds in development for 2010, where the target is to give the tyres a wider still operating range. 

“We have had successful tests both here and in Sepang last month, so we are now in a position to make more precise compound selections for each coming grand prix this season.”