Rossi: 'Bridgestone has made a big step'

Former world champion Valentino Rossi has praised the efforts of Michelin’s main tyre rival Bridgestone after the Japanese factory won three out of the opening four races in 2007.

Rossi admitted Bridgestone had taken a massive leap forward this season with only three Michelin riders finishing in the top ten at the recent Shanghai GP in China. That followed Bridgestone humbling Michelin in Turkey last month by claiming the top six finishes.

The new tyre restrictions implemented for ’07, which limit riders to 17 rear tyres and 14 fronts, has taken away some of advantage Michelin has had in previous years.
Previously, the French factory has had the luxury of manufacturing tyres over a weekend and shipped overnight for its riders.

With that advantage gone, Rossi said: “Under one point of view I am happy because last year we had too much confusion with the new tyres arriving during the weekend.

“But this rule creates some other problems. Now the tyre choice is crucial for the result of the race. I think it’s not just because of the rule.

“Already last year Bridgestone from Brno found something very good and they arrived always at the front with Michelin even with the old rule. So it’s not all about the new rule. But we have to work.”

Rossi said Bridgestone had taken a big jump since the end of winter testing, where Michelin looked favourites to continue its domination of the premier class.

“The situation has changed again and I think Bridgestone has made another step,” added the Fiat Yamaha rider.

“We don’t make the same step but it’s a long championship and the situation is the tyres are always in development.”

Asked where the advantage Bridgestone currently had over Bridgestone, the 28-year-old said: “They are able to open the throttle a little bit earlier than us, especially in the long corners.”