This year saw a major change in tyre regulations. Now, only one specification could be chosen for use in both qualifying and race. However, despite this significant change, our development had not progressed as far as it should. Because Ferrari had won such a stunning victory the previous year there had been great reluctance to letting us make any big changes to those tyres. Michelin had shifted their development to the 2005 tyres very early in the previous season, so we really saw little chance of doing well this year.
For 2005, both the rubber and the case itself had to be made durable enough to handle the approximately 400 km run in the qualifying session and the race. Until now, tyres had only had to last for 100 km, and four times the distance would require much greater durability. And of course there was the safety factor to be considered – you can't race on tyres that might blow. This was dramatically shown at the United States GP, when all the teams using Michelin tyres retired before the race due to safety concerns. This race was our only win of the 2005 season, but it did demonstrate Bridgestone's continuing edge in terms of grip and commitment to safety.