During a visit to Donington Park Circuit, our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay spoke with Andy Mathias, Bridgestone's Head of Marketing for Northern Europe. They discussed the importance of high-quality tyres and their impact on road safety as Bridgestone held a tyre-testing day at the Midlands venue.
Q: Andy, let's start with the obvious - why should drivers choose premium tyres when it comes to safety?
Andy: It might sound simple, but tyres are the only part of your car in contact with the road. Each tyre has a contact patch roughly the size of your hand - and that's all you're relying on for grip, braking and control.
You can have all the latest safety tech in your car, but ultimately it's the tyres that determine how quickly you stop. That's why choosing premium tyres with the shortest possible stopping distance is absolutely critical for safety.
Q: We're in classic UK 'April Showers' weather. What tyres would you recommend, especially for a new driver?
Andy: The UK climate is unpredictable - plenty of rain, plus occasional ice and snow - so all-season tyres are a great solution. For example, our Turanza All Season 6 tyre is designed specifically for conditions like these. It performs well year-round, which makes it ideal for British roads.
When it comes to a new driver, tyres are often overlooked. But as parents, we want to give our kids the best protection possible. Choosing the best tyres you can afford is a really important part of that.
Q: Tell us about this event at Donington Park - what are you showcasing?
Andy: This is a hands-on tyre testing experience. We invest millions in R&D, but you only really understand the difference when you drive on the tyres yourself. We've got a full range here - including Potenza Sport, Turanza 6, Turanza All Season 6, and our Duravis van tyres. The idea is simple: let people feel how tyres impact handling, grip and braking in real-world conditions.
Q: How do you convince drivers who just go for the cheapest option?
Andy: It's definitely a challenge. People are under financial pressure, and tyres are often an unexpected cost.
For us, it's about education. Drivers need to understand the real-world impact tyres have - especially in critical moments. For example, the difference in stopping distance between a premium tyre and a budget tyre can be up to 18 metres. That's huge - and in that extra distance, you're still travelling at speed.
We also encourage drivers to check their tyres regularly and plan replacements in advance, rather than being caught out at an MOT.
Q: Can you explain the relationship between Bridgestone and Firestone?
Andy: Absolutely. Bridgestone was founded by Shojiro Ishibashi - his name actually translates to "Stone Bridge." He admired Harvey Firestone and wanted an English name for global appeal, which led to the birth of Bridgestone.
Then, in 1988, Bridgestone acquired Firestone. Today, Firestone sits alongside Bridgestone as part of the same group. Firestone tyres are positioned at a slightly lower price point, but they still meet our high standards for safety and performance.
Q: Why choose Donington Park for this event?
Andy: Location is key - it's central for bringing together tyre professionals from across the UK.
But more importantly, Donington offers a wide range of environments - from handling circuits to off-road sections - which lets us demonstrate the full capabilities of our tyres in different conditions. It's the perfect place to bring the product to life.
Q: Final thought - what's the one thing drivers should remember?
Andy: Never underestimate your tyres. They're fundamental to your safety. If you can, always choose the best tyres you can afford - because when it really matters, they make all the difference