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Formula One tyres go green in Japan

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-09 16:28

TOKYO - Formula One cars will use green-grooved tyres at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix to promote a campaign by the sport's governing body to reduce the impact of motoring on the environment.

McLaren's Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain looks at his car in his pit before Sunday's Japanese F1 Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway in Oyama, central Japan October 9, 2008. Hamilton says he is stronger, both physically and mentally, than ever and not about to blow his lead in the Formula One title race for a second year running. [Agencies]

"We hope the launch of the 'Make Cars Green' tyre will draw public attention to the many environmental initiatives in and around Formula One," Bridgestone chief executive Shoshi Arakawa told a news conference on Wednesday.

The sport is facing a major overhaul next year, including the introduction of kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS), as it tries to shed its gas-guzzling image for a more environmentally-conscious stance.

"Formula One should certainly be looking to introduce further environmentally-focused regulations in future," said Honda team boss Ross Brawn in a statement.

"To develop hybrid and heat recovery technologies which can then be used on road cars demonstrates F1 can play an important role in developing energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies."

International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley said rule changes and greater awareness would "change the face of motor sport and place it at the very heart of environmental developments in the automotive sector.

"The FIA is determined to ensure future investment in motor sport will also help drive the development of technologies that will benefit the public at large," he added.

The 'Make Cars Green' campaign was launched in June with various targets, including the introduction of new technologies to help motorists monitor their environmental impact and improved tyre design to help save energy.

"It is a subject that goes far beyond racing. The car is an incredibly positive thing and I think the messages of the campaign help to show us we can all choose to drive in a greener way," said McLaren's Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton.

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