Lorenzo takes seventh win of the season in Brno15/08/2010

Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Hard, Extra Hard.  Rear: Medium, Hard  

After a damp warm-up session in the morning the Czech Republic Grand Prix, during which it was only the second time this season that Bridgestone’s wet tyres have been used, the forecast rain stayed away and made for a dry race at the Automotodrom Brno circuit.  

Every rider raced on the harder option front and softer option rear Bridgestone slick tyres, exactly the same tyre compounds as they used during yesterday’s qualifying session. Bridgestone’s tyre selection for this grand prix was exactly the same as it was for Brno last year, apart from a modified medium compound used in the softer option rear tyre that has set lap records at Jerez, Silverstone, Assen and Laguna already this season.  

With every rider on the same tyres, the race was a direct test of each rider and machine package. Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo was strongest over the 22 laps, and he led from the first lap to the flag to take his seventh win of the season. Dani Pedrosa pushed hard for the Repsol Honda Team and kept close to Lorenzo in the opening laps but ultimately had to settle for second, whilst Ducati’s Casey Stoner passed Ben Spies for the final step of the podium.  

Hiroshi Yamada, Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department said:
“I’d like to congratulate Jorge and the Fiat Yamaha Team for their victory here in Brno. They are having a remarkable season and are proving to be very strong at every race. Conditions this weekend have been very difficult for the teams, but with every rider on the same tyres it really put the emphasis on the combination of rider and machine.”  

Tohru Ubukata, Manager, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tyre Development Department said:
“I think this grand prix has been difficult for the teams and riders because the dry running has been interrupted by rain throughout the weekend, with Friday’s practice cut short, a damp start to Saturday’s practice and a wet warm-up session this morning. We also experienced high winds during the race and I think the combination of these factors resulted in the total race time being slower than last year’s record time. Our tyres were exactly the same as those we brought to Brno last year, apart from the improved medium compound rear tyre we have been using this season. Overall I am happy with tyre performance this weekend despite the difficult conditions and the lower track temperature that was ten degrees Celsius cooler than last year. Now we hope for good weather tomorrow when we continue with our important front slick tyre testing at this circuit.”  

Jorge Lorenzo, Fiat Yamaha Team Race Winner said:
“Today I was hungry after the crash yesterday. I made quite a good start and pushed at the maximum, but it was a difficult race because of a lot of wind not helping with the laptimes. We have a big lead in the championship and the seventh victory this year is fantastic.”