2012 Bridgestone tyres get positive feedback from extensive Valencia test – MotoGP news
The new 2012 Bridgestone tyres got a positive feedback from MotoGP riders.
The new specially built tyres for 1000cc prototypes were tested during the two-day test session held at Ricardo Tormo circuit, Valencia.
The new tyre for 1000cc machine is built with an aim to enhance its performance and feedback from the track.
The improvements include wider temperature operating range and improved warm-up characteristic. The tyres were tested with 1000cc machines, including the five new bikes from Claiming Rule Team (CRT).
The bikes were provided from BQR FTR, BQR Inmotec, Team Laglisse and Grellini Team. Every rider was allotted with only 2012 tyres. It was planned for the full session usage of new tyres.
The General Manager for Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development Department, Tohru Ubukata was also present at the Ricardo Tormo circuit to evaluate the performance of the new 2012 tyres.
Ubukata said, “This Test was the first opportunity for us to give all the riders our finalised 2012 specification tyres so it was very important for us. Every rider used our 2012 spec tyres for both days of testing on the new era of 1000cc machines, including
five of the new CRT bikes.”
The tyres are same as they will be used for the 2012 MotoGP season. The Valencia test was the first official test session for 1000cc machines so the Bridgestone company is on a learning curve.
The return of 1000cc machines will bring a new opportunity to learn and develop the tyres to a more appropriate level.
Ubukata added, “We started developing this new family of tyres from the post-Valencia Test at this time last year and used every Test opportunity during this season to continue with our development programme, and I am confident what we have will be a marked
step forward in addressing the specific concerns from this year.”
The general manager further commented that the aim is to improve the tyre quality with respect to racing requirements.
The key focus is to develop a tyre with better grip and optimum performance during lower temperatures.
After collecting technical data from the two-day test session Ubukata is satisfied that the tyres have matched the needs of the riders.
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