Belgian GP: Bridgestone Friday practice report

Bridgestone teams get to grips with Spa

After a year's absence from the Formula One calendar, Bridgestone's teams got to work in today's two, one-hour practice sessions re-familiarising themselves with the Spa- Francorchamps circuit. At 6.973kms, the Spa circuit is the longest track the F1 teams visit and since their last Grand Prix at the venue in 2002, there have also been changes to the track layout and surface.

However, it didn't take Bridgestone's teams to get to grips with the conditions with Scuderia Ferrrari Marlboro's Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello setting the first and third fastest times of the first session. Despite the constant threat of rain, conditions also remained dry for the second session in which Schumacher went on to set the third fastest time.

Sauber Petronas, Jordan Ford and Minardi Cosworth were also busy setting up their cars and choosing tyre specifications as they prepare for a weekend in which they will all be aiming to score essential points.

Hisao Suganuma, Bridgestone Motorsport Technical Manager:

"The track was quite green this morning but as usual the track developed with time and by the second practice session, we were able to see the true performance of the tyres and make our comparisons between the specifications. Because of the nature of this demanding circuit we will be looking carefully this evening at the tyres and the data from the sessions, especially as heat durability can be a factor."

"It doesn't look as if the resurfacing work has altered things too much and it looks as if our estimations were in the right direction. At this stage, however, all the specifications have positive attributes so it is a case of choosing the right tyres in conjunction with our teams for the forecast conditions."

Ross Brawn, Technical Director of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro:

"We did some long runs in the second session this afternoon and we haven't quite got the car balanced yet not having been here last year. The Bridgestone tyre choice is quite clear: it looks consistent and with a bit of tuning to the car we should be in good shape. We'd like to make some changes tonight and if it's wet tomorrow then we will live with what we have."

-bridgestone-