Bridgestone share Ferrari's frustration

Bridgestone have assured Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo that they share his concern about the Formula One's team's poor results this season and are working harder than ever to resolve the situation.

Italy's La Repubblica newspaper quoted Montezemolo as saying that tyres were Ferrari's number one problem.

The team, triumphant in 15 races last year, have yet to win after five grands prix this season under new rules forcing teams to make one set of tyres last for qualifying and the entire race.

Seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher retired in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix with two deflated tyres on the left side of the car.

Ferrari are fifth in the championship with 18 points to leaders Renault's 58.

"Mr Montezemolo is understandably concerned by Ferrari's results so far this season," said Bridgestone in a statement.

"Bridgestone understands his frustrations and we are working harder than ever to ensure the competitiveness of the car-tyre package.

"Modern day Formula One cars are now extremely sophisticated and we are fortunate that Bridgestone and Ferrari share the close technical relationship that others envy," it added.

Ferrari, winners of the last six constructors' titles, are the only major team on Bridgestone. Their main rivals all use rival Michelin.

Bridgestone promised a full investigation into Schumacher's problems and said the offending tyres had been flown back to Japan for technical analysis.

"We will not be forced into giving an inaccurate reason for the loss of air without a full investigation," the statement said.

"Safety is our prime concern and we will not take any chances in getting to the bottom of the deflations."

The company said tyre wear on the rear was within accepted levels and the grooves were still in place.

"This tends to suggest that Michael's tyre loss of air was an isolated incident," it added.