Tire Company Offers Online Grand Prix Tracks

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 27, 2002 -- Consumers contemplating the purchase of a new set of ultra-high performance tires have a unique opportunity to test-drive a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tires at the world-renowned A1 Ring, home of the Austrian Grand Prix.

For those who might be a bit faint of heart, or perhaps unwilling to purchase trans-Atlantic airfare, never fear. The "ride" around the 2.688-mile circuit will be taken with racing legend Derek Bell at the wheel.

And there is no need to wriggle into a racing suit, strap on a helmet or buckle a five-point harness into place.

In conjunction with the introduction of the new Eagle F1 GS-D3, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is presenting a breakthrough experience for enthusiasts who own cars on which such ultra-high performance tires might be used.

Anyone with Internet access can log onto www.eaglef1.com , and enjoy an interactive experience that gives the sensation of sitting in the driver's seat on a fast lap around the track.

"This is a great way for us to share the excitement of the ultra-high performance market, and specifically, our impressive new Eagle F1 tires," said Bob Toth, marketing manager for Goodyear performance tires.

"Realizing that consumers in this segment are true driving enthusiasts, we wanted to reach them in a unique way, and with an experience that gets their pulse racing."

Using cutting-edge Internet technology, the eaglef1.com visit offers a 136-second ride around the A1 Ring, where exaggerated straights and lavish curves unfold into the fastest circuit on the Formula One racing circuit.

Website visitors can choose from four camera views - hood, driver, rear wheel and front wheel, and absorb a variety of specifications, including g-force, lap time, speed and gearing.

Regarded as the quintessential British sports car driver, Bell is a five- time winner of the LeMans 24-hour race, and a three-time winner of the Daytona 24-hour race during his 38-year career. In the video, he pilots a Ruf R Turbo, one of the world's best sports cars.

In succeeding track experiences yet to be launched on eaglef1.com, Bell will be viewed racing on a Monte Carlo rally stage course in a BMW M3 (to be launched Oct. 1), and at Brands Hatch in England in a Lotus Esprit Turbo (available on-line on Oct. 15).

The cars were raced by Bell at the tracks during filming that occurred in August. All cars raced on Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.

The new Eagle F1, with its striking, sweeping tread pattern, was recently introduced in 39 popular sizes, with wheel diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches. It is designed specifically for upscale, sports car and sedan owners, as well as restylers and tuners.

Website visitors are asked to select their Internet connection speed, which helps to determine the optimum viewing of the on-track experience. In addition, downloadable Flash MX software is available and necessary.

Additional details on Goodyear's full line of tires and other corporate information can be found by visiting the company's home page on the World Wide Web at www.goodyear.com .