For the first time since entering active competition in 2002, Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone has won his first ever championship along with the Ducati team and its star driver Australian Casey Stoner in 2007.

To Stoner's 10 victories, Bridgestone can add another two won by drivers Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi both on Suzuki for a total of 12 wins in 18 Grand Prix.

For 2008, the Japanese company will supply a total of 11 drivers on the 18 official thus far confirmed entries. Italian Valentino Rossi will be a force to be reckoned with, as the five-time champion has decided to join the Bridgestone squad for the upcoming season after having a disappointing 2007 year with Michelin.

Bridgestone has now five former World Champions on the books with a total of 13 titles between them.