Introduction
The life of a Bridgestone or Firestone racing tyre is relatively brief, most of the time spanning less than a year. Yet in its brief existence each tyre may have clocked up several thousand miles before it even reaches the circuit. This is the story of the incredible voyage each of our tyres undertakes, from rubber tree to racetrack.
Rubber Tree Operations
Most Bridgestone/Firestone tyres begin their journey in rural south-east Asia, where natural rubber is produced. Rubber in either its natural state or synthetically manufactured, is the core ingredient of all Bridgestone tyres. Bridgestone owns several rubber tree operations in south-east Asia and rubber has been the region’s main export dating back to the days of the British Empire.
Tyre Conception
Bridgestone and Firestone racing tyres are computer designed using Bridgestone’s vast experience of each track from test sessions and from a wealth of historical data. The tyres undergo rigorous simulation and safety tests. Once the race specifications have been decided production starts in either Bridgestone’s factory in Kodaira, near Tokyo, Japan (F1, MotoGP and GP2 Asia), the Akron Facility in Ohio, USA (IndyCar tyres) or Rome, Italy (GP2 tyres). During the production process each tyre is embedded with an individual identification number and barcode. The tyres are then checked for faults before being passed to quality control for final approval. Once approved the tyres are branded with either a Bridgestone or Firestone logo, apart from Bridgestone’s MotoGP tyres which are branded at the track.
Logistical Challenge
From the Kodaira factory, Japan, the Akron Facility, USA or Rome, Italy the tyres are then shipped to a holding warehouse where they are kept in storage until called upon for use at a race or test. From the holding warehouse the tyres will be sent via sea freight or truck to the race destination. Only if time is tight will the tyres be sent by air. The Bridgestone/Firestone holding warehouses also serve as a base for engineers and other staff.
At The Track
Once at the track, the Bridgestone/Firestone technicians will set up their working area with the fitting, stripping and balancing machines. Each tyre is mounted and balanced at the track by the Bridgestone/Firestone technicians.
The Race Weekend
The teams work in close contact with the Bridgestone/Firestone engineers who are always on hand to offer their expert recommendations. When the cars are running, Bridgestone/Firestone engineers and technicians closely monitor the tyres, taking down temperatures and pressures. Some technicians are left on standby in the fitting area in case any more tyres need fitting. All of the data collected by the engineers and technicians is crucial to post-race tyre analysis.