Bridgestone to supply Super Aguri 31 Jan 2006
Bridgestone announced Monday that they have entered into a multi-year agreement to provide tyres to the new Super Aguri Formula One team. The deal will commence immediately and the team is expected to run for the first time on Bridgestone rubber at a shakedown test in February.
Super Aguri’s 2006 entry was finally confirmed by the FIA last week. The Leafield-based team have already secured a Honda engine supply and the Bridgestone contract puts them another step closer to their Grand Prix debut in Bahrain in March.
"The Super Aguri F1 team is a new but ambitious team and we are delighted it has chosen Bridgestone to be its official supplier,” said Bridgestone Motorsport Director Hiroshi Yasukawa. “Working with a new team that is making its debut in the FIA Formula One World Championship is an extremely exciting prospect.
"The Super Aguri F1 team's inaugural season will not be an easy one but we wish them the very best of luck in 2006 and we look forward to seeing them in action shortly."
Bridgestone have had a long relationship with Super Aguri’s founder, Aguri Suzuki, spanning more than 20 years and encompassing numerous motorsport series. “Consequently, we have every confidence in his ability and desire to run a successful and professional team,” added Yasukawa.
Bridgestone’s Super Aguri partnership means the Japanese company will supply five of the 11 teams in 2006, the others being Ferrari, Toyota, Williams and MF1.
