Bridgestone Extends MotoGP Tire Deal Until 2014

Now that their Formula 1 years are behind them, Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone can fully focus on their other commitments in motor racing. And apparently, the MotoGP series are pretty high on their list of priorities, as the company has just extended its tire supply deal with the premier motorcycling racing series until the end of 2014.

The current deal between the MotoGP and Bridgestone was to terminate at the end of this year, following their initial contract signed back in 2009 – when the former decided to switch to a sole tire supplier scheme. The new 3-year extension will therefore carry both companies into the new 1000cc era of the MotoGP, due to debut in 2012.

“I am very pleased that we can continue to work closely with Bridgestone for another three years after this season, and I would like to thank them for their continued commitment to MotoGP,” said MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta, head of series promoter Dorna Sports.

“Bridgestone has a great track record in all forms of motorsport, in particular MotoGP, and has done a great job since they were appointed the championship's first ever 'official tyre supplier' so we all know they are up to the task this season and over the following three years.”

Mikio Masunaga, vice president and senior officer member of Bridgestone's board responsible for motorsport, also showed his delight over securing a new partnership with the series.

“I am proud that we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to MotoGP by extending our participation as 'official tyre supplier' to the premier class with a new three-year deal. Bridgestone has a very rich heritage in the leading motorsport categories across the world, and MotoGP represents a significant part of this heritage,” said Masunaga.