Bridgestone Japanese GP race notes

Michael makes history - again

Michael Schumacher re-wrote the history books yet again, winning at Suzuka to beat the all-time drivers' points record in Formula 1. The Ferrari driver, who secured the 2001 world championship at Hungary in August, had already broken the record for the greatest number of grand prix wins and the highest number of points in a single season. Today's victory was his fourth in the Japanese Grand Prix. David Coulthard, also driving on Bridgestone tyres, secured the runner-up spot in the championship by finishing third. His team-mate Mika Hakkinen was fourth in his last race for West McLaren Mercedes before he takes a year's break. Rubens Barrichello finished fifth and ends the season in third place. Jean Alesi's last F1 race ended on lap six for Benson & Hedges Jordan Honda when he collided with Kimi Raikkonen's spinning Red Bull Sauber Petronas.

Ross Brawn - Technical Director - Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

"A fantastic end to the season. It is always a concern when you win a championship so early but Michael won two more races than he needed and in the end we had nothing to worry about. Michael lives for racing and today he did a great job as always. We took a big chance with Rubens' three-stop strategy because we thought he would be stuck behind the Williams. The only way he was going to be second in the championship was to win today's race so we chose a rather extreme strategy. As things turned out, he could not get past Montoya."

Hisao Suganuma - Technical Manager - Bridgestone Motorsport

"It is fantastic to end the season on a high note for Bridgestone with the 13th win this season by a car on our tyres. The requirement of our tyres here was not only to be quick but also consistent and we achieved our objective with one of our new compounds. My first season as technical manager has been a tough one against strong competition and we have plenty of work to do. This season may end today, but tomorrow we will be working on new, improved tyres for 2002."

Hiroshi Yasukawa - Director of Motorsport - Bridgestone Motorsport

"Suzuka often provides an exciting and eventful race, and this year's grand prix has been historic as well. Many congratulations to Michael for scoring more points in his Formula 1 career than any other driver, and well done to David for confirming his second place in this year's championship. Bridgestone is pleased to have been able to contribute to their success, and their teams'. We know we will face a greater challenge next year and everyone at Bridgestone looks forward to celebrating more success in 2002."

-Bridgestone-