Bridgestone tires were used in Formula One from 1976-1977 and 1997-2010. They were the manufacturer that preceded the current disaster known as Pirelli. They produced a few tires from 1976-77, but only to small, negligible squads like Heros Racing. In 1997, they returned to Formula 1 using data and experience that they had sourced from making F2 tires from 1981-1984. They were originally planned to re-enter in 1998, but were ahead of the curve, and hence, were ready for the 77 F1 season. (Fan Fact: Bridgestone used a Ligier JS41 to develop their tires) Their first two years were spent battling Goodyear, an American powerhouse brand that had invented tires. Despite Goodyear's much longer span of experience and bigger budget, Bridgestone struck Championship gold by supplying the Mclaren-Mercedes team who won both the Constructor's and the Driver's that year with Mika Hakkinen taking the crown. In 1999 and 2000, they were all alone, so they won both with Schumacher.
Then, they encountered their second wave of competition from other manufacturers in the form of Michelin. Michelin was mediocre to say the least and finally crashed and burned after the 2005 U.S.A Grand Prix. Then Bridgestone enjoyed 2006-2010 all by itself, clinching an extra 5 titles for its brand, making it the second most successful tire maker ever with 11 titles.
Bridgestone:
244 starts
175 wins
116 wins as the only supplier
11 Drivers Titles
11 Constructors Titles
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