Chinese GP: Similar conditions to Melbourne for Bridgestone

Everyone remembers the very clear wear of Bridgestone’s super-soft tires in Australia. They deteriorated very quickly. In China, at the Shanghai circuit, the same types of tires will be provided to the teams, namely super-softs and mediums.

Despite this similarity a few weeks apart, the Japanese equipment manufacturer finds a significant difference: This weekend, the teams will be at an advanced stage in researching their setup or other configuration of their cars, whereas in Australia it was a leap into the unknown. A difference that will have a direct impact on the tires.

Hirohide Hamashima – Bridgestone Director:

« The Shanghai circuit will be tough on the tires. There are very high lateral forces, and we expect to see graining on the front left tire. Graining may also appear on the rear tires from time to time. The type of track demands a medium level of downforce because there are two long straights, but part of the track is also very winding and technical. For the teams and drivers, finding the right setup while making the best use of the tires will be a big challenge.

« In Australia, there was graining especially on the super-soft tires, but this varied between teams between the front and the rear. We expect less graining in China as the teams now have a better understanding of their cars compared to the first race of the season. Shanghai is a permanent race track, so its surface will be suitable. »