Bridgestone test new ‘option’ tire markings
After the 3cm white sidewall dot proved almost impossible to recognise either trackside or in pitlane in Australia, the Japanese manufacturer tested various options on the Williams of Alex Wurz on the Malaysian circuit.
Probably the most effective solution was the white colouration of the outside groove of the tire. Bridgestone tried both painting the groove and using chalk.
Due to its ease of application, however, the most likely solution to be used at Sepang next weekend is the painting of large red dots on the sidewall.
Bridgestone tested the use of one and two 10cm dots.
In hot weather near Kuala Lumpur, BMW's Robert Kubica suffered a repeat of his Melbourne gearbox failure but still emerged quickest of the ten runners. The pole outpaced championship leader Kimi Raikkonen.