Firestone Firehawk Fast Facts: Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The Firestone primary tire for St. Pete in 2013 is nearly identical to the 2012 primary, with a slight construction change. The alternate tire features a higher-grip, softer tread compound than a year ago, in response to series and driver requests to increase the performance gap between the two specs.
Per series regulations, all cars must use at least one set of primary tires and one new (“sticker”) alternate set during the race, each for a minimum of two green-flag laps. Otherwise, teams can use their weekend tire allotment at their discretion.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “The start of a new IZOD IndyCar Series season always has special meaning for the Firestone Racing program, but the 2013 opener in St. Petersburg takes on added significance because it marks the final race for Joe Barbieri, our Manager of Motorsports who is retiring after more than 40 years with the company. Joe and I have worked together at different levels for nearly 30 years, so he is a good friend to me, just as he is to many others in the motorsports industry. What Joe has accomplished during his career, from humble beginnings to a significant management position, speaks volumes about his work ethic and contributions. He has always been my ‘go-to’ person and I owe him a heartfelt thank you for what he has done for me, my career and the Firestone Racing program. What Joe has done for so many others, and for himself, is a key part of what made his career so noteworthy.”

Firestone Racing Notes for Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:
·     Firestone Racing renewed its partnership with INDYCAR in December 2012 to remain the official and exclusive tire supplier for the IZOD IndyCar Series through at least 2018;
·     Firestone also continues as the official tire for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a position the brand has maintained with the track since the first IZOD IndyCar Series race at St. Pete in 2005;
·     New Firestone tire sidewall designs debut this weekend that highlight the iconic “F shield” logo steeped in the brand’s history spanning more than a century.