Bridgestone to withdraw from MotoGP

Tokyo based Bridgestone Corporation announced that it has agreed to a one-year extension with the MotoGP class of Road Race World Championship Grand Prix through the 2015 season, after which the Japanese tyre manufacturer will withdraw as the Official Tyre Supplier of MotoGP.

According to a Bridegestone release, MotoGP  has proven to be an invaluable partner since Bridgestone set out to use the series as a public laboratory for the development of high-performance motorcycle tyres in 2002. The endeavour into MotoGP has improved Bridgestone's technology and global brand through the recognition of the world's premier motorcycle road racing circuit, and many of the technological improvements discovered in the series, such as enhanced grip tread compound and GP-Belt construction, have made their way into Bridgestone's consumer motorcycle tires.

Bridgestone expresses its deepest gratitude to the riders, teams, related parties and motorsport fans around the world for their support over the past 12 years, and will continue MotoGP tyre development and support by the end of 2015 season, the release added.

Although it is planning to exit the MotoGPWorld Championship, Bridgestone will continue to promote motorsport as part of its world-wide portfolio of activities.

Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company.

Source: Bridgestone