During the French Grand Prix weekend, the drivers were asked to get together and decide whether they wanted to use the front tire of the Type 70 construction until the end of the season, from the Grand Prix onwards. following, the sixth of the year which would take place at Mugello.
20 of the 23 permanent drivers decided to keep the front tire introduced for the first time at the Valencia GP in 2016. Its more rigid carcass allowed better stability when braking. Nicolas Goubert (Michelin) then explained than " Dorna wanted all riders to test the 70 tire in Jerez and, as the majority of riders confirmed, it offers more stability and less movement when entering corners. It's a small difference, unlike in 2016, when we changed profiles, and I would simply call it an evolution ».
The principle of having the drivers vote does not please Scott Redding: “ “I don’t think that’s right. Unfortunately there are a few drivers who have the power and decide in which direction the sport should develop. »
The front tire used since Valencia 2016 has a harder carcass. It is a little more rigid. Many pilots, including Valentino Rossi et Marc Marquez, complained at the start of the season because handling with the 2017 tire became more difficult. During a test at Jerez, the drivers had several options before finally opting for the old tire at Le Mans.
Redding is disappointed because he does not believe the Safety Commission is the appropriate authority to make such a decision. The drivers meet once a weekend in a voluntary meeting with Loris Capirossi to discuss safety-related topics – for example, whether the circuit layout needs to be changed.
According to Redding, the decision to choose the tire is not the task of this organization, because according to him, “ if someone in a sport has a lot of power, they will always use it to their advantage, and I would do the same ».
“There were three guys who were against it, then there were a few who thought they would try the new tire, why not. But why should you just go back? We have already worked with the new tire to provide more stability to the bike. We shouldn't have had the option to go back to the old tire.
“There should have been a clear refusal, and then we would have developed the new tire. Going back to the old tire almost never happens. Some guys weren't happy with their performance on the new tire and they tried to maintain their advantage with the old one. »
Photo © Pramac Racing
Source: motorsport-total.com
