Bridgestone deal with F1 won’t affect IndyCar Series
Its sister company, Firestone, will continue to be the exclusive tire supplier to the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. Firestone tires made their first official racing appearance in 1909 when company founder Harvey Firestone put a set on a car driven by Barney Oldfield in the Indianapolis 300. Two years later, Ray Harroun won the inaugural Indianapolis 500 on Firestone tires.
Firestone joined the IndyCar Series at its first event in 1996 and became the sole tire supplier to the series in 2000. In 2002, Firestone expanded its role as a key promotional partner by becoming the official tire to the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
Bridgestone began supplying tires for F1 in 1997 and has been the sport's sole supplier since 2007. Bridgestone will continue to be the sole supplier to the MotoGP series, and will continue its relationships with the GP2 main and Asian series.
"The decision made by the Board of Directors of Bridgestone comes after considerable and lengthy evaluations and has been based on the company's need to redirect its resources towards the further intensive development of innovative technologies and strategic products," said Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport. "While we understand and respect the reasons for this decision, it has nevertheless come as a great disappointment." IndyCar.com