Bridgestone declare 'everything is going to plan'

(30-Oct-98) - Bridgestone boss Hirohide Hamashima says everything is ok
despite rival tyre manufacturers Goodyear taking the first four places
during today's first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Bridgestone are looking to secure two championships for McLaren at their
'home race' this weekend but the Goodyear shod Ferraris of Michael
Schumacher and Eddie Irvine, the Jordan of Ralf Schumacher and the Williams
of Heinz-Harald Frentzen finished ahead of Bridgestone's flagship team
during the first practice session.

"Although this result doesn't look too good for McLaren and
Bridgestone, we know that a mistake cost Mika what promised to be the
fastest time in today's practice." Said Mr Hamashima.

He admitted that David Coulthard was struggling with handling: "We
will be looking for a solution overnight which will help him improve in
qualifying."

"The temperatures today are very similar to those experienced during
final testing at Barcelona. That means everything is going to plan so
far."

--- Msged/386 4.20 beta 4