Major Bridgestone test

(16-Oct-98) - Following the changes in tyre regulations for the 1999
season, Bridgestone and the FIA have organised an extra-ordinary test at
Suzuka two days after the Japanese Grand Prix. The test allows all teams to
evaluate the first tyres complying to the new regulations.

Bridgestone has been working with the FIA since mid-summer to develop tyres
that will reduce lap speeds in 1999 but still provide enough grip needed
for safety. Because the tyres still need a lot of development work in the
area of performance and wear rate, Bridgestone wants to test the tyres as
soon as possible. Following the withdrawal of Goodyear from F1 racing, the
Japanese tyre manufacturer decided that it would be of everyone's best
interests to test the new tyres as soon as possible after the racing season
was complete. Because testing is normally not allowed between the last
Grand Prix and December 1st, approval of the FIA and all teams was needed.

"We will introduce revised compounds and constructions," said Mr.
Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport. "The intention
of this is to meet the requirements of the FIA and to ensure that the
performance of our tyres remains consistent throughout next year. However,
our priority, as always, must be to ensure the highest possible standards
of safety. We believe that this can best be achieved by supplying every
team with Bridgestone tyres for testing next month, and in cooperation with
them all on an equal basis in an exhaustive development programme."

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