STABLE TYRES CREATE CLOSE RACING IN BRAZIL


Media information, 10 March 2007


Just 0.78 seconds separated the top nine FIA World Touring Car Championship drivers in today's qualifying in Brazil, again demonstrating the adaptability of official tire, Yokohama ADVAN.

Front and rear-wheel-drive cars alike were in the top ten in this afternoon's first 2007 qualifying round, showing Yokohama's ability to suit each car despite the overcast conditions at Curitiba.

BMW claimed the two front rows after choosing the right tires for the changeable weather conditions, which caused indecision amongst the teams.
In the end, the track remained dry and the tires coped well with decreasing temperatures.

Rain remains a possibility for tomorrow's races and Yokohama Europe Marketing Manager Kazuyoshi Sekiguchi is confident the ADVAN tires will be at their best whatever the conditions.

"We are prepared for a wet or dry race," said Sekiguchi.
"Our research and development concentrates on providing teams with the optimum tool to compliment their hard work whatever this season throws at them. We'll be working closely with the race engineers tomorrow as they assess the conditions. I'm sure Curitiba will provide excellent racing as always.

"Despite the track temperatures being more than ten degree higher than last year, the fastest lap still improved. This means the cars have gotten better throughout the winter of course, but also proves our tire's ability in these very hot summer conditions."