Bridgestone investigating Assen tyre issues

Bridgestone has launched a 'full investigation' after a number of riders were hit by serious tyre problems at the Dutch TT on Saturday.

Ducati's Valentino Rossi was forced to return to his garage to change his rear tyre during the race, while Ben Spies was concerned his rear tyre was going to 'explode' as he battled for third place with fellow Yamaha rider Andrea Dovizioso in the closing stages of the race.

Track temperatures soared to around the 40?C mark for the race, which was more than 20?C warmer than last year's Dutch TT.

All riders selected the harder Bridgestone front for the race for its greater cornering stability, with 13 of the 20 competitors opting for the softer rear slick.

Shinichi Yamashita, General Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development Department, said he would 'personally take the affected tyres back' to the company's technical centre in Japan for analysis.

"The Dutch TT saw warm track temperatures and the race was run at a good pace with all riders selecting the harder front slick, while all but seven riders selected the softer slick option for the rear," he said.

"Unfortunately a few riders experienced a problem with their rear tyre today and we sincerely apologise to those riders affected.

"We have commenced a full investigation into the matter and I will personally take the affected tyres back to Bridgestone's Technical Centre in Japan where they will undergo detailed analysis to determine the cause of this issue."

Hiroshi Yamada, Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department, added that the findings of the investigation would be made clear at the next race at the Sachsenring in Germany this weekend.

"I am sorry that some riders experienced tyre problems during the race.

"We are now investigating the issue and will report back to teams with our findings at the next race."