<p>The sole supplier of tyres to the series since 2007, Bridgestone will continue its interest in Formula One next season but wanted to concentrate on new technology and products after that. "The company has decided to redistribute its resources as part of a changing business strategy," public relations manager Kaoru Tomizawa said.<br /><br />"There has been a change of direction towards further developing areas of the business where demand is greatest and which support the company's aims." <br />Bridgestone's decision to leave Formula One comes after Japan's number two carmaker Honda pulled its team out of the sport last December to cut costs. <br />Subaru and Suzuki subsequently quit the world rallying championship while bike maker Kawasaki scrapped its MotoGP team in the grip of a severe market downturn. <br />Bridgestone insisted the global economic crisis was not wholly to blame for its decision. <br /><br />Williams sign Barrichello <br /><br />Brazilian Rubens Barrichello will begin a new chapter in his record-breaking Formula One career next year as a Williams driver alongside German rookie Nico Hulkenberg. "Rubens needs no introduction," team founder Frank Williams said in a statement on Monday announcing his all-new line-up for 2010. "He is not only the most experienced driver in Formula One.”</p>
<p>The sole supplier of tyres to the series since 2007, Bridgestone will continue its interest in Formula One next season but wanted to concentrate on new technology and products after that. "The company has decided to redistribute its resources as part of a changing business strategy," public relations manager Kaoru Tomizawa said.<br /><br />"There has been a change of direction towards further developing areas of the business where demand is greatest and which support the company's aims." <br />Bridgestone's decision to leave Formula One comes after Japan's number two carmaker Honda pulled its team out of the sport last December to cut costs. <br />Subaru and Suzuki subsequently quit the world rallying championship while bike maker Kawasaki scrapped its MotoGP team in the grip of a severe market downturn. <br />Bridgestone insisted the global economic crisis was not wholly to blame for its decision. <br /><br />Williams sign Barrichello <br /><br />Brazilian Rubens Barrichello will begin a new chapter in his record-breaking Formula One career next year as a Williams driver alongside German rookie Nico Hulkenberg. "Rubens needs no introduction," team founder Frank Williams said in a statement on Monday announcing his all-new line-up for 2010. "He is not only the most experienced driver in Formula One.”</p>