In its first year of competition, Bridgestone is unlikely to pose a threat to Goodyear's Formula One supremacy simply because no one of its contracted teams can honestly be regarded as a potential race winner, at least, not at this point in time. Nonetheless, Bridgestone equipped cars have already shown their ability to finish in the points -- indicating that the tyres, both wet and dry versions, are fully competitive.

This season, Bridgestone is merely "testing the water" while demonstrating it has the technical ability and know-how to compete in Formula One. Next season, we should see it moving up a gear or two with contracts involving some of the more competitive teams -- not necessarily the top runners, but those teams looking for that half a second a lap which would put them on the first or second row of the grid. Thus, locked in combat, the tyre war will begin in earnest with both companies equipping teams with winning potential and where the outcome could well be decided on the make of tyre.

Notwithstanding, it is a fact that Goodyear has been in the forefront of Grand Prix racing for more than three decades. This is a remarkably long involvement for any major supplier. No doubt, Goodyear has profited by its involvement over this period, particularly, during those years when it was the sole Formula One race tyre supplier. Now, it faces the prospect of an intensive (presumably costly) development program in a head to head battle with an aggressive competitor, namely Bridgestone. Should Bridgestone be able to challenge or seriously threaten Goodyear's supremacy in the next full Grand Prix season, it is conceivable that Goodyear might re-think its present commitment to Formula One and decide to call it a day. Only time will tell.

As will be appreciated, there are a number of "ifs" and "buts" in this script, nevertheless, it is a likely situation. Bridgestone didn't enter Formula One to be second best, whereas, Goodyear has possibly been in Formula One too long and might welcome the opportunity to retire gracefully. Should this occur, will it mean that Bridgestone will assume the mantel of sole race tyre supplier to Formula One? The answer is an emphatic "No".

Formula One is an advertising platform for any tyre manufacturer. The sale of all type of tyres benefit, but none more than the sale of high and ultra high performance tyres. In this category, the Bridgestone tyre is acknowledged to be superior -- ostensibly with an edge over its main rival: Michelin. It is, therefore, incomprehensible that Michelin will sit back and allow Bridgestone to reap the benefit of Formula One success, nor concede to Bridgestone a monopoly in Grand Prix racing. Michelin will surely take up the gauntlet against Bridgestone as and when the need arises -- as is foretold.

Michelin's return to Formula One race tyre competition can be anticipated within the next two to three seasons. Whether it will be competing against Goodyear and Bridgestone or Bridgestone alone, remains to be seen. Whatever the outcome, "hang on to your hats" in anticipation of the "Tyre War to end all Tyre Wars".

Colin has worked for 32 years as a tyre engineer for Firestone, UK. From 1967 to 1973 his residence of employment was in Firestone's European Racing Division based at Brentford. During this time, his F1 tyre engineer responsibilities were for the development of Firestone's R125 with which Graham Hill (1968) and Jochen Rindt (1970) won their World Championships. In 1973, Colin was transferred to Firestone's International Development Centre in Rome where his first assignment was to develop the "Gazella" and "Sherpa" rally tyres for the Spanish market. Colin is now retired, but still takes an active interest in F1 and developments therein.

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