Bridgestone's involvement in Formula 1, the GP2 Series and MotoGP is operated by Bridgestone Motorsport and headed by Director, Hiroshi Yasukawa. Although its operational base is in the UK, all design and production of Formula 1 and MotoGP tyres takes place at the Technical Centre in Tokyo, with tyres shipped to the UK for distribution to European races and tests. Tyres for flyaway races are sent directly from Japan to countries like Australia. Motorsport provides a global stage for the company, its technology and expertise. But away from the race track, there is much more to the Bridgestone Corporation. Bridgestone Motorsport is just one part of a global company, which employs over 133,500 people worldwide and has offices, factories or continental headquarters in more than 150 countries. Its worldwide head-quarters are in Tokyo, Japan whilst the company's Chairman of the Board, CEO and President is Shoshi Arakawa. Established in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi, the Bridgestone Corporation is now the world's largest manufacturer of rubber products and tyres for cars, motorcycles, agricultural, industrial and mining vehicles, airplanes, trucks and buses. The company's diverse operations include the manufacture of golf clubs, tennis racquets, bicycles and industrial conveyor belts. For more information visit:www.bridgestone.com www.bridgestonemotorsport.com