Bridgestone Quotes

We want to set the record straight. At no time during yesterday's meeting between Ford and Bridgestone/Firestone, did any representative from Ford ask us to recall tires or replace any tires. They did not ask us to join with them on a recall or a replacement program. They told us they had made absolutely NO decision concerning our tires on their vehicles. Comments by Ford to the contrary are inaccurate. - Christine Karbowiak

We believe that Ford's recall of over 46,000 Explorer SUVs overseas since August 1999 undermines Ford's efforts to place responsibility on Bridgestone/Firestone in connection with the U.S. tire recall. As a result, Ford's credibility with U.S. consumers, legislators and regulators may suffer. We are thereby threatening the January 2001 launch of the new model. - David Garrity

We are very disappointed for our fans and our staff who were here in the grandstand. The main problem afflicting us is a lack of [tire] grip and all we can do is continue to work with our partners at Bridgestone to fix it. - Jean Todt

We are extremely pleased to announce that Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America have reached tentative agreements on three contracts covering 8,000 workers at nine facilities in eight states. - Christine Karbowiak

This morning's running was wet and although Mark managed to put more mileage on the FW28 we had to stop mid afternoon with a known gearbox problem. Alex was undertaking some tire testing for Bridgestone in the FW27C and also stopped mid afternoon with a fuel pump failure. - Sam Michael

The shame of this situation is that both Ford and Bridgestone/Firestone have known about this problem for eight years... The companies have settled a number of lawsuits under gag orders, which prohibited the lawyers or victims in the cases from talking about them. As a result, safety officials and the public have been kept in the dark. - Joan Claybrook

That race was so hard and I am very happy with the result in the end. Michelin did a great job with the tyres the grip on the edge was unbelievable! When I opened the throttle there was so much traction it was incredible. My team has done a great job and even if we didn't win we improved again in the World Championship. It is good to be the best Michelin finisher and the first Honda home as well. I'm confident in Malaysia that we can take revenge on Bridgestone! They did a great job and Loris rode very hard congratulations to them. A good battle to watch for the fans I think. - Max Biaggi

My feeling is that it (the Firestone brand) is irreparably damaged... I don't see how or why they would try to support the brand when they have a better brand (Bridgestone) that is unscathed by this news. - Rod Lache