Confirmed: Toyota and Bridgestone in 2006

By Nick Sparkes
October 2 2005

During the Belgium Grand Prix weekend Toyota confirmed that they were leaving their current tyre supplier Michelin, for Bridgestone. The deal, which will start from next season, will see Toyota run on the same tyres as the 2004 champions Ferrari.

But not everybody is happy, with some expressing their concern of a down turn in results on the Totally Toyota F1 website. With the current Bridgestone’s being neither a winning or fast tyre, its come as a surprise and an upset to see Toyota leave Michelin, who have won all but one Grand Prixs this season, for a company which has only had one win and one pole position all year. But this could be a long-term investment, with Michelin threatening to withdraw as soon as 2007, getting in early could well pay off in the long run. Toyota are keen to stress that they aim to build a partnership with Bridgestone which will allow them to win races, and on a day where Williams also confirmed their switch to the Japanese rubber, all might not be lost.

In a press release: "Toyota can confirm that it is in advanced negotiations with Bridgestone over tyre supply for its Formula One team in 2006 but no agreement has been signed. The decision to consider a switch of tyre supplier has been made by Toyota."

It’ll take some time to convince some Toyota fans, which is why during the winter Bridgestone aim to do a lot more testing than pervious years to get back up near the front.

Add your opinions and views on this tyre change but visiting the Totally Toyota F1 thread by clicking here.