Williams to return to Bridgestone

Williams announced on September 10th that it will switch to Bridgestone tyres in a multi-year deal starting in 2006. The partnership will be effective from the end of this season. Williams was previously supplied by Bridgestone in 1999 and 2000 then switched to Michelin when the French manufacturer re-entered the sport in 2001.

"After detailed consideration, we have taken a very positive decision, based on technical merit, to renew a relationship with Bridgestone who we previously worked with in 2000," said team principal Frank Williams. "We are delighted to re-establish a partnership with the tyre company that has won seven consecutive World Championship titles since 1998."

"At the same time, we would like to thank Michelin sincerely for a very constructive and fruitful relationship since 2001 which has yielded many achievements, not least ten Grands Prix victories and 40 podium finishes."

Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport said: "It is with great pleasure that I can now confirm that Bridgestone Motorsport and the WilliamsF1 Team have entered into a tyre supply partnership, to commence after the end of the current season."

"WilliamsF1 is one of the most experienced and respected teams competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship and I would like to thank Sir Frank Williams for his faith in our technological capabilities."

"Since entering Formula One in 1997, Bridgestone Motorsport has supplied the winning Constructors' and Drivers' Champions no fewer than seven times and we now look forward to working closely with the WilliamsF1 Team to help them achieve their goals in the future."

Toyota, also currently a Michelin runner, has confirmed that it is in negotiations with Bridgestone but an agreement has not yet been reached. Red Bull, which was thought to be switching to Bridgestone for next season, announced that it will stay with Michelin for 2006.