Traditionally very involved in motorsport competition, Pirelli is present in the Superbike and Supersport World Championships, automobile F1, motocross, rallies and GT races, among others.
Giorgio Barbier, Competition Director for Pirelli Moto, explains to us here the manufacturer's situation in the face of the health crisis, and tells us how he sees the future in the medium term.
When racing resumes, will you need to do some testing before the first event? How long will it take you to be ready for the first race?
“It would appear that the Superbike World Championship will be able to finish the season with eleven races still to come, but the situation is constantly evolving: the confirmed new start date and the sequence of countries will determine the time needed to prepare for the new calendar. »
Pirelli is the official tire supplier for the Superbike World Championship until 2023, for all categories. There is a development freeze until 2021 for MotoGP bikes. Is there also a freeze on the development of Superbike and Supersport tires?
“As you know, Pirelli has years of experience and a range of compounds that can cope with all weather conditions, from summer to the coldest months like November, and this versatility of the range allows us to guarantee the competitiveness of all manufacturers. »
“The winter testing, despite the wet weather, gave us clear indications to continue our development for the season, and we are ready to use them. »
What do you think about races without spectators?
“If Dorna, together with the FIM and health bodies, makes this decision, we must comply with it. »
“WorldSBK is a product-driven championship and bringing customers, consumers and end consumers to the Paddock is one of Pirelli’s biggest commitments. »
When racing resumes, Pirelli will be very busy with F1, for which you are the exclusive tire supplier. Do you think this will have some influence on the availability of tires for the World Superbike and Endurance Championships?
“Formula 1 and WorldSBK tires are developed by different teams and are produced in two different factories, so the production plans are independent of each other. »
You are World Endurance Champion with SRC Kawasaki (David Checa, Jérémy Guarnoni and Erwan Nigon). Is it important to you that there is an open World Championship when it comes to tires, where you can compete with other tire manufacturers?
« Pirelli has occupied a leading position in the World Endurance Championship for several years, achieving multiple successes including victory in the 2018/2019 Championship. »
“This year, Pirelli has implemented a strategic reorganization within its racing environment, preferring to focus its resources on other national, international and world championships in which the company is historically involved as a sole tire supplier or in open tire competitions through direct agreements with teams and/or individual drivers. »
For the record, Pirelli official and exclusive supplier for all categories until 2023:
Photos © Pirelli, Worldsbk.com / Dorna
