With over nine decades worth of history, and almost four decades in the highest echelons of motorsport, we weren’t surprised to see Bridgestone perform as well as it did during Asia’s Ultimate Tyre Awards’ inaugural tyre test, clinching the win for Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyre of the year. 

Yet, it was tough not to be impressed by its then-latest offering, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport. Not only did it place first or second in all the test stations that counted for its category during the event, but there was also nothing but praise from our drivers for its subjective characteristics. 

Less predictable however, was the outcome of the Potenza Sport in the overall classification. The Potenza Sport found safe haven within the UHP category scoring framework, as it counted only the tests it excels in, namely grip, handling and braking. 

But to compete for top honours against all 23 tyres among 5 different categories, where the non-performance tests would also be counted? That wasn’t so clear cut. In the end though, it did overcome the odds, pipping the Comfort category-winning Hankook tyre to be crowned Asia’s Ultimate Tyre for 2022.

In an awards presentation with Bridgestone Singapore, we asked them about their thoughts on these victory as well as what we can look forward to this year:

AUTA: What does this victory mean to Bridgestone?

Bridgestone: ‘Better Never Settles’ – POTENZA Sport represents this spirit in our attempt to constantly set a new standard in premium, high-end sports performance tyres.Bridgestone has a legacy of expertise in high performance tyres thanks to its heritage in motorsports racing and its long-term partnerships with premium, high performance car manufacturers.Building on these experiences, cutting-edge sports products such as the new POTENZA Sport was developed.This achievement is a continual testament to the legacy.

AUTA: Did you expect the Potenza Sport to win the UHP category? Are there any aspects of the test results that surprised you?

Bridgestone: We certainly developed the tyre to ‘raise the bar for premium performance tyre products’ but winning the UHP category among worthy competitors was never taken for granted.Bridgestone POTENZA Sport placed 1st in three of AUTA 2022’s five weighted tests and never placed lower than 2nd in the other two stations within its group.

These results are not surprising given physical prototypes were already put to the test in different conditions at Bridgestone EMIA’s proving ground in Italy in the development process work, and actual tyres were also extensively tested using high performance vehicles at our other proving grounds.

AUTA: Does Bridgestone intend to compete in more categories in AUTA this year?

Bridgestone: Our engineers push the boundaries of what’s possible to improve performance, safety and quality.We are certainly motivated to put our tyres to the test for our consumers given the opportunity.

AUTA: What else can we expect from Bridgestone in 2022 in terms of new products?

Bridgestone: Our ENLITEN* technology will be progressively introduced in our core products as we move into 2022 and beyond as the company evolves through our Bridgestone E8 Commitment*to support the realization of a sustainable society. The current product range within POTENZA, TURANZA, ECOPIA, & ALENZA forms part of these core products and will continue to fulfil consumer needs with planned product developments ahead as well as introductory launches to come.

ENLITEN* is Bridgestone’s key innovation in tyre technology for our next generation of sustainable products.It is our goal to help our customers realise the driving experience they desire, and with the lowest possible carbon footprint.

Bridgestone E8 Commitment* consists of 8 Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter “E” (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) that the Group will commit to creating through Bridgestone-like “purpose” and “process,” together with employees, society, its partners, and customers to realize a sustainable society.