Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Bridgestone to withdraw as official tire supplier of Formula One]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/bridgestone-to-withdraw-as-official-tire-supplier-of-formula-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/bridgestone-to-withdraw-as-official-tire-supplier-of-formula-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/bridgestone-to-withdraw-as-official-tire-supplier-of-formula-one/#commentsFiled under:



Bridgestone has participated in Formula One since 1997 and has acted as the sole official tire supplier to the entire series for the past two seasons. But at the end of next year, its contract with the FIA and Formula One Management will expire, and the Japanese rubber company has announced that it does not intend to renew.

The withdrawal of Bridgestone means that F1 will need to look to another tire company to supply high-tech rubber to the growing grid of racers in the series. While the series could go back to the way it was a few years ago with different tire companies supplying different teams, they're more likely to seek out a single official replacement for Bridgestone, which meanwhile continues its participation in the GP2 series and in MotoGP as official tire partner. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Bridgestone | Image: Robert Cianflone/Getty]

Continue reading Bridgestone to withdraw as official tire supplier of Formula One

Bridgestone to withdraw as official tire supplier of Formula One originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bridgestone 3G RFT Tires - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW enters the massive skidpad at more than 100 mph and begins a sweeping right turn along a soldiered row of orange cones. On cue, a pneumatic device attached to the hub of the spinning left rear wheel instantaneously rips its air valve clean out. Abruptly unsettled by the simulated tire "blow-out," and the collapse of the tire, the family wagon plunges into a long and flat uncontrolled spin knocking the hapless cones skyward in its wake. The BMW finally comes to a rest off course, facing 180-degrees from its original direction of travel.

Melodramatic in execution, the tire demonstration was repeated again moments later. This time the BMW was fitted with a set of Bridgestone's new third-generation run-flat tires. The high-speed blow-out again unsettled the car, but riding on sustained tire sidewalls it remained controllable as it tracked within the cordoned lane of orange cones and gently came to a stop.

The demonstration was powerful. Without a doubt, run-flat tires do work. Unfortunately, we've never met a set that didn't ride rough, feel like anchors, or cost us an arm and a leg at the register. We typically avoid them at all costs. Determined to make a change, Bridgestone invited us to Italy to try out its latest iteration of run-flats, promising to alter the way we think about the technology. What is this new tire? Why is it different from its predecessors? And, most importantly, how does it ride? Find those answers and more after the jump...


Gallery: Bridgestone 3G RFT


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Bridgestone Tire

Continue reading Reviewed: Bridgestone 3G RFT Tires take the shock out of run-flats

Reviewed: Bridgestone 3G RFT Tires take the shock out of run-flats originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1G RFT1gRft2G RFT2gRft3G RFT3gRftbridgestonebridgestone run-flatsBridgestoneRun-flatsfeaturedRFTrun-flatrun-flat tiresrun-flatsRun-flatTiresMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Bridgestone Super Bowl spot stars Mr. Potato Head]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/31/video-bridgestone-super-bowl-spot-stars-mr-potato-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/31/video-bridgestone-super-bowl-spot-stars-mr-potato-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/31/video-bridgestone-super-bowl-spot-stars-mr-potato-head/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Super Bowl commercials always generate buzz, and this year, Hyundai's going to have company in the automotive sector. Bridgestone signed Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head for one of two commercials that will air during the big game, and a teaser video offers a tantalizing glimpse of what we'll be seeing as we gulp down nachos and wings. The February 1st event will be the Potato Heads first outing in a Super Bowl ad. Out for a little bit of top-down motoring in their Pontiac Solstice, the starchy couple suddenly find themselves bearing down on a pack of sheep in the road. We'll have to tune in to the halftime show to see if it ends with mashed potatoes, but for now, at least there are cool behind-the-scenes videos to watch (after the jump).

In a second commercial, a pair of astronauts tear around some other planet in a hot rod moon-buggy. Again, we'll have to tune in for the answer to the question "Whats the hottest thing on four wheels?" While the Tater spot has the big-name talent, we're more intrigued by what otherworldly treat might be in store for us when the answer to Bridgestone's question is revealed. This is the second year Bridgestone has advertised during the Super Bowl, and the company is also sponsoring the halftime show with Bruce Springsteen. Looks like we'll have to make that halftime break a quick one. Teaser spots and behind the scenes videos posted after the jump

[Source: Bridgestone]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bridgestone Super Bowl spot stars Mr. Potato Head

VIDEO: Bridgestone Super Bowl spot stars Mr. Potato Head originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese tire-maker Bridgestone has been supplying every team on the Formula One grid since rival rubber company Michelin pulled out of the sport at the end of the 2006 season. But whereas Bridgestone had gone through 2007 as the exclusive tire supplier by default, the ink has now dried on the contract that makes them the exclusive tire supplier by design.

The deal secures Bridgestone's monopoly in the pinnacle motorsport series from 2008 through 2010. Although the deal was reportedly secured in 2006, but it just became official.

While many other racing series around the world have similar arrangements with various tire suppliers, Formula One has traditionally been a bastion of pure competition. The tire deal, however, prevents companies like Goodyear, Pirelli and Michelin from returning to F1, joining the institution of a common engine control module, the recent freeze on engine development and drastic restrictions on testing in "leveling the playing field" and thereby reducing the degree of competition in F1.

Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Bridgestone via Autosport]

Continue reading Officially Official: Bridgestone signs exclusive deal with F1

Officially Official: Bridgestone signs exclusive deal with F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridgestonecontractdealexclusivef1formula oneFormulaOneofficialsuppliertiretyreWed, 26 Dec 2007 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Bridgestone saves smitten suicidal puppies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/video-bridgestone-saves-smitten-suicidal-puppies/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/video-bridgestone-saves-smitten-suicidal-puppies/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/video-bridgestone-saves-smitten-suicidal-puppies/#commentsFiled under: ,



Man's best friend obviously isn't immune to the tragedies that afflict his master, and for one downtrodden dog, the sight of seeing his beloved toy poodle in the throes of, ahem, passion beneath the rotund proportions of an English bulldog was just too much. But when he decides to end it all beneath the wheels of a Mercedes C-Class, well, you can make the jump to see the outcome.

Continue reading VIDEO: Bridgestone saves smitten suicidal puppies

VIDEO: Bridgestone saves smitten suicidal puppies originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridgestonetiresThu, 14 Jun 2007 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Champ Car teams receive new Panoz chassis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/27/champ-car-teams-receive-new-panoz-chassis/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/27/champ-car-teams-receive-new-panoz-chassis/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/27/champ-car-teams-receive-new-panoz-chassis/#commentsFiled under: ,

American motor racing has been steadily moving towards "Spec", that is, each team racing the same car with the same engine and other components. The Indy Racing League runs Dallara chassis powered by Honda engines. (Although NASCAR technically uses a few different cars with different engines from different suppliers, they all look pretty much the same.) Now the latest spec racing cars for the Champ Car series - IRL's rival formerly known as CART - have just been delivered.

The new Panoz DP01 has been received by ten Champ Car teams, the first ten before the entire field makes the switch from the previous Lola-built cars. The new chassis will use the same turbocharged Cosworth V8 engines, the now independent engine supplier owning majority rights to the series and having involuntarily withdrawn from supplying engines in Formula One. They all run on spec Bridgestone tires, just as Formula One makes the switch next season.

Constructed primarily of carbon fiber, the new cars weigh an impressive hundred pounds less than their predecessor Lola counterparts. The chassis were delivered unpainted and all-but-identical to the teams who'll be adding their own team and sponsors' livery. We're looking forward to seeing the new cars in action.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Champ Car teams receive new Panoz chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Dec 2006 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridgestonecarcartchampcosworthdallaradp01indylolamotorsportpanozracingWed, 27 Dec 2006 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 scandal? Michelin to Bridgestone: j'accuse!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/f1-scandal-michelin-to-bridgestone-jaccuse/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/f1-scandal-michelin-to-bridgestone-jaccuse/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/f1-scandal-michelin-to-bridgestone-jaccuse/#commentsFiled under:

The bizarre goings-on in the wake of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which have included accusations (since withdrawn) of the FIA effectively "fixing" the world championship, took another twist this week, as French tire maker Michelin suggested that Bridgestone was using illegal chemical treatments to enhance the performance of its tires.

The latest controversy centers around a photograph of a Bridgestone tire technician, taken at the Italian Grand Prix, which shows the technician wearing the sort of protective apron and face mask normally worn to handle toxic chemicals. According to Michelin, none of the normal activities of a tire tech on a race weekend - mounting and dismounting tires, setting inflation pressures, and cutting open tires for post-race inspection - would require this sort of protection.

On the other hand, chemical treatment of tires to enhance traction - a prohibited practice known as "tire doping" - involves highly toxic carcinogens in liquid or aerosol form, and suitable protective gear would be highly advisable. Such chemical treatments are widely available (one such commercial product is shown at right) and commonly used by amateur racers to extend the useful life of their expensive race tires. And yes, it really works.

The FIA responded by saying that Bridgestone explained the unusual garb to the satisfaction of the governing body, and according to a spokesman, "We...have absolutely no concerns."

[Sources: Reuters, Autosport via Winding Road]

F1 scandal? Michelin to Bridgestone: j'accuse! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridgestonef1formula 1Formula1italian grand prixmichelintire treatmentFri, 15 Sep 2006 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to run Formula 1 in 2008!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/06/microsoft-to-run-formula-1-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/06/microsoft-to-run-formula-1-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/06/microsoft-to-run-formula-1-in-2008/#commentsFiled under:

As the FIA prepares Max Mosley's more restrictive Formula 1 rules package for its 2008 debut, its World Motor Sport Council has decided that Microsoft (Yes, that Microsoft. Really.) will be the official supplier of engine control units under the new rules, which go into effect for the 2008 season.

We'll resist the temptation to resurrect all of those "If Microsoft made cars" jokes, but we just have to point out that if the F1 ECUs follow the same development path as Windows Vista, Max may have to wait until 2009 (or 2010...) before kicking off his 2008 season. And of course, "crashing" will take on a new meaning... (Sorry. Couldn't resist.)

In other news, the Council confirmed Bridgestone as the sole tire supplier for Formula 1 for 2008 through 2010. With the withdrawal of Michelin at the end of 2006, Bridgestone will move to de facto sole supplier status a year ahead of schedule, in 2007.

[Source: FIA]

Microsoft to run Formula 1 in 2008! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jul 2006 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 seasonbridgestonef 1f1fiaformula 1formula oneFormula1microsoftThu, 06 Jul 2006 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Goodyear blows out 1,500 jobs, shutters European plants]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/goodyear-blows-out-1-500-jobs-shutters-european-plants/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/goodyear-blows-out-1-500-jobs-shutters-european-plants/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/goodyear-blows-out-1-500-jobs-shutters-european-plants/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Goodyear Tire & Rubber has announced plans to slash 1,500 jobs in an effort to save $50 million dollars. The world's largest tire company will reach those goals in part by shuttering plants in Britain and Poland.

Part of its restructuring efforts that began last September, the manufacturer will jettison 585 employees at its UK Goodyear Dunlop facility in Washington, and a smaller outpost in Wolverhampton will shed around 40 employees, leaving about 450 workers.

Additionally, Goodyear's Debica, Poland plant will stop making bicycle tires and inner tubes, pink-slipping 360 employees.

The rubber giant says that it expects to incur charges of around $105-115 million USD in the process of exacting the changes.

[Sources: The Australian; Associated Press]

Goodyear blows out 1,500 jobs, shutters European plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to PoliticalAffairs.net, Bridgestone-Firestone employees at the company's LaVergne, Tennesee plant have been ordered to stop collecting donations at the factory's gate for struggling rubber workers in Africa.

The charity drive was intended to help the company's own employees who work in a Liberian plant for about $3 per day. Reportedly the plant's workers recently went on strike after Bridgestone-Firestone elected to withhold in excess of one-third of their paychecks for 'unexplained deductions.' The writer further notes that the company's Liberian facility is under fire for human rights violations--namely making use of child labor and use of toxic pesticides.

Collecting donations for worthy causes has apparently been done before at the plant for years, including on behalf of ill United Steelworkers members, other striking local union chapters and victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Editor's Note: It would appear from the text that the article's author made no effort to contact Bridgestone-Firestone for comment or confirmation, a disconcerting omission.

[Source:PoliticalAffairs.net]

Bridgestone-Firestone criticized for ordering workers to cease charity drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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