Brembo brakes all MotoGP riders for the 2018 season, but with a personalized approach for each rider.
For the third consecutive season, 100% of MotoGP riders have decided to rely on the high performance, reliability and safety levels guaranteed by Brembo elements: brake calipers, discs, brake master cylinders, master cylinders clutches and pads.
Since the introduction of the MotoGP series in 2002, all 278 GPs have been won by motorcycles equipped with Brembo brakes. The winning streak in the premier category of motorcycle racing is longer since the last GP won in the 500 category with a motorcycle without Brembo components dates back to 1995.
The leading company in the production of braking systems continues the development of braking systems, in order to guarantee maximum performance, optimization of sensation and absolute safety for all riders. In addition, Brembo focuses on satisfying the requirements of the different teams, offering extensive "customization" of the braking systems, in application of the optimization of the specific requests of the drivers.
For the 2018 season, Brembo offers teams an extensive range of braking solutions for the highest category of motorcycle racing, offering for each element of the braking system different technical options available to teams and riders. A wide range of technical solutions to guarantee each driver the possibility of “customizing” the braking system according to their driving style, the characteristics of the track and the racing strategy.
Two types of aluminum calipers are available for the 2018 season (light and heavy) for use with carbon pads (High Mass and Standard). There are many more options for brake rotors, brake master cylinders and wheels.
Due to the absence of regulatory novelties and the use of tires of the same construction and profile as the 2017 season, Brembo technicians working in close contact with the teams expect braking behavior to be little changed compared to the last season.
10 carbon brake disc solutions
The majority of riders should choose 340mm diameter discs, split between High Mass and Standard. To ensure the same braking torque and obtain additional weight reduction, Brembo has introduced Light discs with a diameter of 340 mm. Some teams will continue to use Standard and High Mass discs of 320 mm diameter.
Additionally, for each brake disc and pad format, there are two different carbon compounds that differ in initial attack and high temperature resistance.
Overall, there are 10 options available to drivers regarding the choice of brake discs.
After the result of the Japanese Grand Prix last October, with the first 9 riders arriving with motorcycles equipped with carbon discs despite the heavy rain, more riders will forgo steel discs even in the rain.
Carbon provides a triple advantage: reduction of unsprung masses, identical coefficient of friction from start to finish and absence of residual torque problems that could concern steel discs.
2 types of thumb master cylinder systems
The types of brake master cylinders available to teams are different in terms of wheelbase, in order to tailor both travel and control “responsiveness” based on rider feel. Additionally, each motorcycle is equipped with a remote adjuster, used by the rider with the left hand to vary the position of the brake lever, even while riding.
Brembo reports that more than a third of MotoGP riders regularly use the thumb master cylinder. This technical solution, introduced by the Italian company in the 90s to help Mick Doohan, allows the activation of the rear brake by pressing a special lever placed on the left handlebar.
There are two variations of the thumb master cylinder systems used for the 2018 season: the most common feature a single thumb master cylinder and pedal circuit, using a 2-piston rear caliper. Instead, the alternative has two separate circuits, each of which acts on 2 of the 4 pistons in the rear caliper. In the first option, one system excludes the other, in the second, we can act simultaneously.
3 Marchesini wheel options
This year, Marchesini forged magnesium wheels are also used by the majority of riders participating in MotoGP. Marchesini 7-spoke wheels are made in 3 variants for the front and rear wheels: a lighter but less rigid solution, a more rigid but also heavier solution and one in the middle of the two options. Marchesini wheels (Brembo Group brand) save weight on motorcycles, which improves acceleration and handling when changing direction.
Brembo SpA
Brembo SpA is the world leader and recognized innovator of disc brake technology for vehicles. Brembo supplies high-performance braking systems for leading car, motorcycle and commercial vehicle manufacturers worldwide, as well as friction materials and other components for competition. Brembo is also a leader in the competition sector and has won more than 300 championships. Today, the company is present in 15 countries spread across 3 continents, with 23 production and activity sites, and a pool of around 9 employees, of which around 000% are engineers and specialists in research and Development. The turnover for 10 amounts to 2016 billion euros (2,279). Brembo owns the brands Brembo, Breco, AP, Bybre, Marchesini and also operates through the AP Racing brand.
Paddock-GP translation
