Bridgestone depature: Where’s the reaction?
November 2, 2009 by SJ Skid
Filed under Parc Fermé, Prime & Option, SJ Skid
The big news today, obviously, is Bridgestone’s announcement that it will not continue in Formula 1 after its contract to supply tires ends at the conclusion of the 2010 season.
It is is a big story, as any driver I know will quickly point out that tires are pretty important. After all, they are the only part of the “car” that actually touches the track.
What has shocked me, then, is the decided — perhaps determined — lack of response to the news.
Everyone seems to still just be sitting on the brief Bridgestone announcement.
Where’s the Ferrari response? McLaren?
Humorously enough, F1 itself is spinning the news as “New Formula One tyre supplier from 2011.”
Sorry, but until there is a new supplier, that’s not the news. The news is Bridgestone leaving — and why. And what the teams and drivers and others who will be affected think about it. [The F1 story doesn't even have a quote from Bernie Ecclestone or any other F1 official.]
What has everyone so mum? Is it that much of a shock? Is there some effort to keep everyone quiet?
Seems mighty strange, especially 12-odd hours after the news hit. Is everyone asleep?
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Well, usually. At least its the only part that’s SUPPOSED to touch the track. ;)
Quite honestly, I don’t blame F1 for spinning Bridgestone’s departure as it did, and I think that’s probably the best way to view the situation. The only time that people would talk about the tyres these past two years is when something wasn’t right (or they were using them as a scapegoat). Either way, it was either no press or bad press for Bridgestone. They’re certainly not in business so that people can talk crap about their product all the time. What you never hear is how well the Bridgestones performed, or how reliable they were. I don’t blame them for leaving.
This is a good opportunity for multiple tyre manufacturer’s to come back to the sport. Perhaps in 2011, we’ll see Pirelli vs. Michelin vs. Dunlop vs. Goodyear. …yeah right. It would be nice, but let’s face it, the FIA will insist on an exclusive manufacturer for “cost and safety” even though monopolies have never been shown to promote either.
The lack of much reaction is probably worse for Bridgestone than it is for F1. There certainly must be another tire company wanting to pour untold millions into Bernie’s pockets for the privilege of being the exclusive supplier to F1.
If the new tires fail to perform like the ‘stones (or “Bridgerocks” as some racing buddies call them) why would Bernie care? It’ll be better for the “show”.