Pirelli was awarded the contract to become the sole supplier to F1 in place of Bridgestone earlier in the summer. Reports have it that the prototype version of its new tyre is being tested in France.

Paul Hembery, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director told Manipe F1 “We’ve started some initial testing on a GP2 car, with the first runs at Paul Ricard. It was very successful and we’re very happy with the performance of the product from the results of the first test.”

Hembrey didn’t pass comment who had carried out the tests but did say that there should be news shortly which car they will use for future tests. It is rumoured that Pirelli is interested in acquiring a 2009 Toyota as a possible option.

All F1 teams will have the opportunity to evaluate fully Pirelli’s new F1 tyre at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi to be held in November after the season’s final GP.

Mr. Ohashi joined Bridgestone in 1979. After 5 years in the Tokyo office he began a period of overseas responsibilities which included Middle East, Asia, North America, and Oceania where he was Chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Australia Ltd.

His most recent position was Director of Specialty Tyre Business Division based in Tokyo.

Mr. Ohashi brings a wealth of international tyre business experience with him to his new assignment.

Mr. Makio OHASHI
CEO and President of Bridgestone Europe NV/SA
Born: August 6, 1955

Franchisee husband-and-wife team Lindsay and Lorelle Rayner have more than a decade’s experience in the tyre industry, and as Rockhampton locals are already well known for their Southside Tyre & Mechanical  business, upon which the new store is based.

“As independents we have a sound business but a JAXQuickfit Tyres franchise opens up a whole host of opportunities for us, as well as enabling us to offer our customers a great choice of tyres at better prices,” Lorelle Rayner explains.

“National buying power and national marketing makes us both more price competitive and more visible, and we’ve found that JAXQuickfit’s business values align very much with our own.

“It’s about open, honest and friendly service … we’re very impressed (with JAXQuickfit) and I know our customers are as well.”

Renovating the store to JAXQuickfit Tyres specifications has brought with it a freshen up all over, new wheel changing equipment and an additional hoist, to service the projected increased demand.

JAXQuickfit Rockhampton now offers the retail chain’s national range of tyres, wheels and associated services, together with steering, brake and suspension servicing.

“Our typical customer has a passenger car or suburban four-wheel-drive, plus we also get a bit of truck work as well, and occasionally a few ATV tyres too,” Lorelle Rayner explains.

JAXQuickfit Rockhampton is also involved in the local community too, sponsoring the annual ABHA 3D barrel race.

“It’s a bit of a laugh and everyone has lots of fun, and the proceeds go to a good cause, so we’re very happy to be involved,” Lorelle Rayner says.

Away from the store, Lindsay and Lorelle enjoy some time together horse riding and fishing.

Australian-owned JAXQuickfit Tyres is unique in representing the top five global manufacturing giants of the tyre industry, including quality and high performance passenger car, light truck and four-wheel-drive tyre brands … BFGoodrich, Bridgestone,Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli together with value for money brand options.

This enables it to offer customers a mix of brands that span the premium, major and budget market sectors.

In 2009 JAXQuickfit is celebrating its 60th year in business and nationally serves more than 42,000 customers per month through its 70 stores along the eastern seaboard.

JAXQuickfit Tyres’ (www.jaxquickfit.com.au) Rockhampton store is located at: Gladstone Road, Rockhampton. Phone 4927 3044.

For further information:

Jeff Board
CEO
JAXQuickfit Tyres
02) 8801 3001

Germany’s Sebastian Vettel has wrapped up second place in the Formula One driver’s world championship after a strong win in the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Vettel led team-mate Mark Webber across the line in Red Bull’s fourth one-two finish of the season while newly-crowned champion Jenson Button finished third in the final race of the season.

It was expected that pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton would sprint away from the field after showing blistering pace in qualifying.

However, the McLaren driver went out with brake problems allowing Vettel – who used a medium-medium-soft Bridgestone Potenza tyre strategy – to cruise to victory.

“The car worked brilliantly on both tyre compounds and it was a pleasure to sit in the car this evening,” Vettel said.

“We are currently very strong and have just gained our fourth one-two finish, so congratulations to the team. They have been pushing a lot, working very hard back in the factory. It’s a shame now that the season ends, as we are on a roll!”

Bridgestone is now planning for the 2010 season, which will see a host of new regulations introduced including no refuelling and narrower front tyres.

“We must say a big thank you to all of the teams who make this such a great sport which so many people enjoy around the world,” said Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport.

“Also thank you to all our staff, who worked so hard throughout the year. This was Bridgestone’s 13th year in Formula One and we saw the 150th GP race win on our tyres. We now look forward to 2010 full of expectation for another exciting and dramatic year.”

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

1. Jenson Button (Brawn GP) 95 points
2. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) 84
3. Rubens Barrichello (Brawn GP) 77
4. Mark Webber (Red Bull) 69.5

In addressing the impact of the continuing evolution of the business environment on its decision, the company focused on the need to redirect its resources towards the further intensive development of those innovative technologies and strategic products which support the company’s goals and further enhance the company’s reputation as a technology leader.

Over the years, the company has benefited directly from its involvement in Formula One racing. The lessons learned through Bridgestone’s successful participation have translated into innovations that can be applied to the design and manufacture of tyres . In addition, its collaboration with F1 has contributed to increased brand awareness and the recognition of Bridgestone as a leader in the global tyre industry. Having achieved these goals, Bridgestone is now poised to take its technological and brand building efforts to the next level.

Bridgestone is committed to supporting F1 and the series’ teams through the completion of the 2010 season. The company also expressed its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the management of Formula One, the F1 teams and support staff, and the F1 fans around the world for their enthusiasm and support for Bridgestone over the last 13 years.

Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company. In addition to tyres for use in a wide variety of applications, it manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over150 nations and territories around the world.

FPR driver Mark Winterbottom claimed the overall honours, but strong performances by Davison and a poor weekend for Ford’s Jamie Whincup has seen the HRT driver cut Whincup’s championship lead to just 32 points going into the next round at Phillip Island.

Davison’s teammate Garth Tander also had a good weekend, claiming a win and second place on the opening day’s two races. Winterbottom finished with two victories from the weekend’s four race events, while Ford’s Craig Lowndes picked up the remaining race win.

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1 Jamie Whincup (TeamVodafone) – 2554
2 Will Davison (HRT) – 2513
3 Garth Tander (HRT) – 2182
4 Craig Lowndes (TeamVodafone) – 2067

The Italian now has nine world motorcycle titles with seven of those coming in the premier class of racing.

Rossi rode a controlled race to take his place on the podium for the 163rd time across all three classes in his 226th successive Grand Prix start.

“This weekend I was so fast in the dry but right before the race it started to rain and we had to go on track with no wet setting,” Rossi said.

“This is a great achievement for me, my ninth championship and seventh in MotoGP. I have to thank all the guys, Yamaha, the Fiat Yamaha team, Peter [Rossi’s Bridgestone engineer] and all my friends and everyone who helped me to reach this achievement. We are the top and now we relax – the ninth championship is great!”

As a tropical rainstorm drenched the track just before the race, every rider started on Bridgestone ’s wet tyres. The track remained wet for the race distance, making it the only grand prix this season to be run in its entirety in wet conditions.

“I’d like to congratulate Casey for his dominant win here today in Sepang in very demanding conditions, and I would also like to congratulate Valentino Rossi and the Fiat Yamaha Team as their third position finish here secures him his ninth World Championship and his second consecutive World Title on Bridgestone tyres,” said Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Corporation.

Despite continued efforts to improve cost competitiveness at both plants, international competitive forces have been making tyre manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand increasingly difficult to the point where the operations in both countries are no longer viable.

The decision has been explained to all employees and unions at both plants this afternoon.
The closures will take effect at the New Zealand manufacturing plant by the end of 2009 and at the Australian facility no later than 30th April 2010.

Regrettably, the closures will affect around 275 employees in Christchurch and 600 in Adelaide. Bridgestone’s distribution, customer service and retail networks, which employ more than 1,500 people, will continue unaffected.

Bridgestone’s first priority is its people. Affected employees will receive their full entitlements. In addition, the Company is working on a range of initiatives to assist employees.

“We would like to express our thanks to all our employees at our manufacturing facilities in both countries. Their contribution over so many years is to be admired and celebrated,” said Andrew Moffatt, Senior Executive Director.

Bridgestone will offer support services to affected employees, in conjunction with the relevant government departments, unions and other agencies, to assist with future employment opportunities.

“It is our goal to help as many of our employees as possible gain alternative employment, either within the Bridgestone organisation or in the wider marketplace,” Mr Moffatt said.

Bridgestone has also announced it will be working with local government authorities in Adelaide and Christchurch to gift some land currently owned by the Company to recognise the enormous contributions of the communities.

“We would also like to put on record our thanks to the various levels of government in both Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Moffatt said.

“As the last tyre manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand, we have all worked hard over many years to avoid today’s decision. However the unfortunate reality is that Bridgestone Australia Ltd. can no longer commercially justify the continued operation of these facilities.”

The Adelaide facility has been operating since 1965 and Christchurch since 1947.

“We are proud of the fact that we have managed to keep these two manufacturing facilities open for so long and have provided employment and economic benefits to so many people over such a long period,” Mr Moffatt said.

Despite today’s announcement to cease new tyre manufacturing in the region, Australia and New Zealand are great places to do business. Bridgestone Australia’s headquarters remain here in Adelaide, continuing its sales, distribution, retail and other business activities throughout Australia and New Zealand.