New Bridgestone tyres to be tested at Sepang – MotoGP news
With the 2013 MotoGP season only a few months away, Bridgestone will test its new softer compound rear tyres at Sepang. There was too much difference between CRT and prototype bikes in the
last MotoGP season and the CRT riders had literally no chance of even posting a podium finish. The news tyres are an effort towards reducing the technology lapse between CRT and prototype bikes.
According to Bridgestone, the compound used in manufacturing the new rear tyres for CRT bikes is ‘one step’ softer than the compound used to manufacture rear slicks for prototype bikes. For
instance, at the five-day Sepang test, the factory teams will be provided medium and hard compound slicks where the CRT teams will have an option to use slicks that are softer than slicks falling in the medium category.
Sepang will be the first of a series of official MotoGP tests. From Bridgestone’s perspective, it is the first major trial to decide if the softer slicks will be available for use in the
upcoming season or not. Bridgestone has been working in close collaboration with Dorna Sports and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.
“The first group test of the year will certainly be busy, as all twenty-four full-time riders as well as five test riders, will take part. It is pleasing that so many riders will take to
the track in Malaysia as it shows that despite the difficult economic climate at the moment, the MotoGP championship is in good health and continues to grow,” Bridgestone manager Hiroshi Yamada said.
According to the Bridgestone manager, a white coloured line will be engulfing the rim will mark the difference between softer slicks and normal tyres.
“We are also looking at ways to revise our tyre marking system to make tyre identification easier for the media and fans, the first step of this process will take place at Sepang next week,”
Yamada said.
If the new tyres are able to decrease the technology difference, MotoGP fans will see more competitive Grand Prix rounds. There will be more action on the track and MotoGP will move a step
ahead in enthusiasm.
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