Bridgestone Motorsport manager Hiroshi Yamada says tyre development for Phillip Island is a priority for the Japanese brand entering 2014.

Following a controversial Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October, Bridgestone will test at Phillip Island in the new year to avoid a repeat of severe tyre degredation next season.

“Phillip Island was an extreme situation and something we’ve never experienced before,” Yamada commented. “We’ve always known Phillip Island is a severe circuit for tyres and so we prepared by running a lot of simulations heading into the race.

“When presented with the situation, we made sure two things happened. We did the best within the circumstances to ensure things ran as smoothly as they could and we made sure we learned from the situation to avoid a repeat in the future.

“Given the tyre allocation we had at Phillip Island, I am pleased that we could work with Race Direction and Dorna to ensure rider safety and put on a good show for the fans.

“Now our focus is on developing a tyre allocation that will suit the new Phillip Island surface and a major part of that development will take place after we test there early next year.”

Dorna recently confirmed Bridgestone and Moto2 tyre supplier Dunlop would take part in an official test during March 2014 (click here for details).