Bridgestone looks back on action-packed 200th Formula 1 Grand Prix at Valencia
August 29th, 2008
200th Grand Prix for Bridgestone (Image: Bridgestone)
As Formula 1 cars raced the new street circuit in Valencia for the first time on 24th August, there was another landmark achievement being written in Formula 1 history: Bridgestone’s 200th Grand Prix. Watching how successfully the Potenza super-soft compounds took on 46°C track temperatures – well enough even to allow one-stop strategies – was a perfect illustration of the great achievements Bridgestone has accomplished since entering the world’s top motor sport in 1997.
Millions of TV viewers around the world were reminded of Bridgestone’s commitment to Formula 1 by the large “Bridgestone 200” banners around the Grand Prix of Europe Valencia track. Spectators inside the circuit were able to see the “golden tyres” – specially made for this memorable weekend – displayed in the VIP Paddock and F1 Village. Two more golden Bridgestone Potenza tyres were signed by the F1 drivers, providing a unique photo opportunity in front of the Bridgestone motor-home.
There were also plenty of activities to mark the occasion outside the track. Dramatic video beaming of the “Bridgestone 200” logo lit up the Mediterranean night sky, special decorations were displayed in selected shops, media activities ran throughout the weekend, and fans were invited to test their driving skills in the “Racer” contest on the www.bridgestone.eu website.
Now it’s back to business as usual for the Official Tyre Supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship. There’s work to be done for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa on 7th September where the fast, hilly circuit creates unusual down forces and punishing loads over the entire lap…
