Bridgestone signs three-year MotoGP deal

From motogp.com

MotoGP official tire supplier Bridgestone has put pen to paper on a final contract for its debut as sole tire provider for the next three seasons. The Japanese factory will start its term this year, following a tender process established in 2008.

"In these turbulent times of economic crisis, Bridgestone is delighted to be working positively with Dorna to make an exciting contribution to MotoGP," said Bridgestone Motorosport Director Hiroshi Yasukawa of the announcement. "We are dedicated to our support of MotoGP and being chosen as the official tire supplier shows the high regard in which we are held by the sport in which we have been involved since 2002. Our participation in MotoGP is an important element of our position as the foremost tire supplier in motorsport."

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holders Dorna, added that, "We are delighted to have secured Bridgestone as sole tire supplier for all teams in the MotoGP class of the FIM World Championship for the next three years. Bridgestone is a company with a fantastic reputation and they make an outstanding contribution to motorsport. We strongly believe that this new agreement is very positive as it will simultaneously reduce costs and increase competition in MotoGP."

The first all-Bridgestone MotoGP World Championship race will take place on April 12 at Losail, the season-opening Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar.