The WorldSBK Superbike championship heads to Australia this weekend, to the Phillip Island circuit, south of Melbourne, for the latest and toughest challenge for Pirelli tyres.
The Phillip Island circuit, opened in 1956, is an attractive track layout, with a succession of fast and wide bends, interrupted by only two hairpins, where there is generally a great possibility of overtaking. The only straight of any length, the one in front of the pits, is downhill and the top speeds are among the highest of any circuit on the calendar. The particularity of the Phillip Island circuit is that it generates both mechanical and thermal stresses to which the tires are constantly subjected. Historically, Phillip Island is a circuit which subjects the tires to strong and constant thermo-mechanical stresses, particularly on the left side. For this reason, Pirelli has developed dedicated rear solutions, both for the Superbike and Supersport categories.
TIRE OPTIONS FOR THIS CIRCUIT
– There is no change at the front and the three most popular and most used solutions will be available to drivers this year, all in soft rubber: starting with the standard SC1 which will be joined by the solutions of development SC1 A0674 (SC1A) and A0843 (SC1B).
– And there will also be three solutions at the back. The standard SC0 represents the softest solution and is intended to be used only during qualifying and the Superpole race as it is not suitable for covering the distance of long races. In fact, for these races there are two new solutions in medium compound: the A1126 which, like the A0843 front, has a more robust structure compared to the standard solution and is also designed for high temperatures, and the B0152 , which uses the same compound as A1126 but, compared to it, represents an additional evolution in terms of structure.
– In WorldSSP, riders will have the SC1 and SC2 solutions at the front, while at the rear, like their big brothers in the Superbike category, they will be able to choose between two new development solutions in medium rubber: the A1128 ( SC1A), which uses the same rubber as the standard SC1 but has a more robust structure, and the B0625 (SC1B), which also uses the same rubber as the standard SC1 but has a different structure than the A1128.
George Barbier, Motorcycle Competition Director: “ The final WorldSBK round of the year also represents the biggest challenge for us. Indeed, the Phillip Island circuit is recognized, not only by us but by all tire manufacturers, as one of the most aggressive and difficult for tires, due to its particular old-style layout which makes it makes it one of a kind. It is one of the rare motorcycle circuits that has not undergone any modification over all these years; it has remained the same for more than half a century, which contributes to its great charm. Due to its unique character, it is not a circuit that can be approached with standard solutions, especially at the rear which is the wheel most used. You have to use development tires, designed almost ad hoc for this track. In both Superbike and Supersport, there will be two new medium compound rear solutions, with more robust structures than standard tires. Usually it's the opening round of the season and we race there in February. We've never been there in November, so temperatures and weather could add another variable to an already very tricky track. »
