Formula 1
Japanese GP: Bridgestone race notes
70th win on Bridgestone goes to Michael Michael Schumacher led from start to finish to make Bridgestone's historic 100th grand prix the 70th win on the company's tyres since it came into Formula 1. The magnificent result in the season finale and ...
Published: Oct 15, 2002, 10:42 AM
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70th win on Bridgestone goes to Michael
Michael Schumacher led from start to finish to make Bridgestone's historic 100th grand prix the 70th win on the company's tyres since it came into Formula 1. The magnificent result in the season finale and at Bridgestone's home grand prix is the 15th victory from 17 races this year. For the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver, it sealed his record for finishing every race in a season and, as a further sign of his dominance, it meant he has finished every grand prix of 2002 on the podium. Rubens Barrichello's 2nd place ended Ferrari's spectacular year with its 9th one-two.
However, the Ferrari finish was almost overshadowed by Takuma Sato's flawless 5th place in front of his ecstatic home fans. His best result of the season brought the DHL Jordan Honda team the two points required to lift it above Jaguar and into 6th place in the constructors' championship.
Luca Baldisserri - Race Engineer - Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
"Another fantastic result! The Bridgestone tyres held together very well and we were able to do a longer first stint than last year, following our planned strategy. It is great to be able to end the season in this way, especially since it is Bridgestone's 100th grand prix."
Takuma Sato - DHL Jordan Honda
"Absolutely unbelievable! This was my best race in Formula 1 and one of the best feelings of my life. The fans were incredibly excited and were waving at me for the full 53 laps. I am so happy to have scored two points for the team. The strategy worked superbly, the Bridgestone tyres were very good and the engine was reliable so everything was perfect today."
Shigeo Watanabe - President and CEO - Bridgestone Corporation
"Everyone knows by now that this was Bridgestone's 100th grand prix and while it was a happy coincidence that it happened to be at Suzuka this means it is extra special for our staff who can celebrate the 70th Formula 1 win on our tyres at `home'. I must say thank you to Michael and Ferrari for achieving this for us. The challenge of Formula 1 is our passion and we look forward to celebrating more success in the future."
Hisao Suganuma - Technical Manager - Bridgestone Motorsport
"I am delighted to have won here, not just because it is another victory on our tyres, but because it is the last race of the season which is very important as we go into the winter. It gives us the motivation to keep on pushing and to continue our successful development work. Of course, as a Japanese person I am very pleased for Takuma on his strong result but also, from Bridgestone's point of view, that we were able to help him and his team move up the constructors' table."
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