Who Next To Bridgestone?

[REALIST]

Now that Williams have signed up to Bridgestone, who'll be next and how long before Michelin quits?

[Suze]

From where I'm sat, I almost see it as a bit of a risk certainly for Williams, new engine supplier etc, maybe changing too many variables at once? Yes Bridgestone supply Ferrari and yes Michelin did have a rather large problem at Indianapolis, but at Spa Michelin were on top and seem to be developing well. I don't see too many other teams swapping over nor Michelin quitting atm.

[TheNewBob]

On the other hand it could well prove to be a new lease of life to Williams, and it could actually work... I don't see them winning but they'll have a chance of doing better than this year for sure...?

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by TheNewBob

I don't see them winning but they'll have a chance of doing better than this year for sure...?

Imo, the strongest part of the Williams package this year is the Michelin's, and they are giving it up?? Obviously keeping Toyota happy, ready for the engine supply in 2007.

[BootsOntheSide]

There's no use in being the 4th best Michelin team, even when Michelin are dominant. By switching Williams will be 3rd best (at worst) Bridgestone team, and their presence on testing will increase the chance of Bridgestone tyres being as good as Michelin's. Also, they are ready for the one-tyre era, and well-placed to take advantage of strong Bridgestone weekends.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

and well-placed to take advantage of strong Bridgestone weekends.

They'd better hope that Imola is still on the calendar next season then.

[FPV GTHO]

Obviously Bridgestone and Toyota still need to confirm their arrangement as all that's been said is Michelin wont be supplying them.

[TheNewBob]

Remember Ferrari is the only top team on Bridgestone tyres. Michelin has ALL of the season's good runners. Therefore Michelin testing can progress quicker than Bridgestone can. Plus we have a winter's development yet. It's certainly a gamble for Williams, but lets face it they have to do something drastic anyway!

[BootsOntheSide]

That's what I meant Bob, well put.

[Rick]

I think what you said about the one-tyre era is spot on Boots, this strikes me as all about 2007.

[Tec-Mec 60]

i dont think the bridgestones are any different in performance this year compared to michelin than last year, its just that ferrari have got worse, look at the gap between them and minardi. minardi certainly havent closed up on the rest of the pack, but they are closer to ferrari than last year by over a second on average. its fundamental floors in the f2005 that has given off the impression that bridgestone is the problem. i think it'll be the same next year unless rory byrne has more of an involvement this time round.
i think its a good move for williams, it is a bit of a gamble, but i think it could work. i still dont think they'll be challenging of course.

[Don K]

Originally Posted by Tec-Mec 60

i dont think the bridgestones are any different in performance this year compared to michelin than last year, its just that ferrari have got worse, look at the gap between them and minardi. minardi certainly havent closed up on the rest of the pack, ...

I haven't checked yet.

But I'm sure that Minardi are *a lot* closer to Williams than they were last year.
And they are certainly *a lot* closer to Jordan than they were last year.

[BootsOntheSide]

Minardi have certainly closed up, but they have a more up-to-date car and engine, as well as two impressive drivers. Jordan have done this season as cheaply and simply as possible, planning for 2006.

[SpawnyWhippet]

With the information available to the general public, I am not sure why any teams would select Bridgestone. Maybe the political situation between Michelin and the FIA means that Bridgestone will be the only supplier soon. so Michelin will no longer develop their tyres?

[aj_308]

Michelin don't seem like the type of company that would play that game.

[Adam43]

Yes, Michelin will develop their tyres until they leave F1. That is why they are in F1, as evidenced by their opposition to the single supplier proposal.

[Marbot]

Ferrari are now well past 60 days of testing,whereas the other teams are still inside their self-imposed 30 day limit.I wonder if Williams and Toyota would be happy for Ferrari to continue in that way,or would they ensure that Bridgestone also paid for their unlimited testing.Maybe the reason why they switched.Maybe a subject for a new thread.I don't mind if someone hi-jacks it.