Korean GP: Bridgestone race report

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver Fernando Alonso scored his fifth win of the season after using a wet - wet - intermediate Bridgestone Potenza tyre strategy in a dramatic first-ever Korean Grand Prix.

Alonso won the rain delayed and suspended race which started and restarted behind the safety car. All drivers began on Bridgestone's wet tyres and were able to change to the intermediate tyres as conditions improved once racing began.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton finished second and Alonso's team-mate Felipe Massa took third, both using the same tyre strategy as Alonso. Red Bull Racing's championship contenders, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel both failed to finish.

Hiroshi Yasukawa - Director of Bridgestone Motorsport:

"Today we witnessed a great first ever Korean Grand Prix and I am proud of Bridgestone's contribution. Congratulations to Fernando and Ferrari for their win and also to Lewis for his good charge to second place. Also it is good to see Felipe back on the podium and Michael finish in fourth. This was a tough event and I must praise the FIA, the organisers, officials and marshals at the track as well as the teams for maintaining professionalism throughout. The organisers have done a fantastic job to bring Formula 1 to this new and exciting market and I think many fans here and around the world enjoyed this superb race."

Hirohide Hamashima - Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development:

"There was so much drama and anticipation today! The delays were frustrating for all but safety is everyone's primary concern and the visibility was too poor to race. Both the intermediate and wet tyre performed very well and we saw Fernando manage his tyres excellently to maintain good pace right to the finish line. This was Bridgestone's first and last Korean Grand Prix and I will be proud of the performance of all of our specifications of tyres over the weekend here in Yeongam."

-source: bridgestone