Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone issued today the following statement:

Following the failure of the rear tyre which eliminated Mika Hakkinen's McLaren from the German Grand Prix, Bridgestone Motorsport will give further information when the cause of the failure had been ascertained.

After a preliminary inspection, the Bridgestone engineers determined that a full examination was required at the Bridgestone Technical Centre in Kodaira-Tokyo, Japan, where the necessary dedicated equipment is located. Accordingly, Mr. Hirohide Hamashima returned to Japan on Monday with the remains of the tyre in his luggage.

Together with all the parties involved, Bridgestone wishes to establish the cause of the failure as rapidly as possible. However, it is clear that the necessary processes in Japan will require several day's work. Only when that work is complete it will be possible to make a further statement on this matter.