Slick tyres win positive response for Bridgestone

Slick tyres have been highlighted as one of the things that helped Bridgestone Motorsport experience a positive Formula 1 season this year, according to the director.

Hiroshi Yasukawa said not only was there "fantastic competition" throughout 2009, but the return to slick tyres was met with a warm response by all manufacturers and fans.

Moreover, Bridgestone was proud to be part of the Brawn and Jenson Button championship wins, he explained.

"It was great to see so many race winners and such close racing from the cars on track, despite all of the changes."

Next year, the company will maintain its usual aim of supplying safe tyres to the Formula 1 industry. It also said it was looking forward to seeing new teams participate. As many lovers of the sport may know, the 2010 season will not allow refuelling.

Mr Yasukawa remarked that this will have an effect on all tyres - not least the front one, which will be narrower.

Button may be hoping that he can retain his win next season, having finished 11 points ahead of second-placed Sebastian Vettel this year