MotoGP – Bridgestone GP riders test the new BT 016 tyre

A particular test. To present the new "BT-016" tire to the international press, dedicated to road use but not only, Bridgestone invited some of its riders supported in MotoGP to Jerez de la Frontera. For the record, 6 of the eleven 'Stones in the top class of motorcycling were present, riding hyper-sports bikes lent by the manufacturers. In Andalusia, where we remember the Spanish Grand Prix will be staged in 10 days, Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri (riding two Ducati 848s), Toni Elias (Ducati 1098), Loris Capirossi (Suzuki GSX-R 1000) showed up. , Anthony West (Kawasaki ZX-10R) and Alex De Angelis (Honda CBR 1000RR). Absent for various reasons were Guintoli, Hopkins, Nakano, Vermeulen and, above all, Valentino Rossi. Let's take it easy though: none of the top class riders dedicated the day to getting noticed and setting sensational times. Their objective was to highlight the "multi-compound" tire (three on the front, two on the rear), but without risking crashes a few days before the next GP on the calendar. What remains a special day, with beautiful photos to show to the whole world, and for the journalists present the fortune of being able to say they shot together with Stoner and company.

But in the end, how did the pilots comment on this day? With specific statements, clear, but decidedly positive towards Bridgestone, both for a day to remember and for the qualities expressed by the BT-016. Starting with Casey Stoner, "entangled" in a brawl with Marco Melandri and Jeremy McWilliams, tester for a well-known British magazine. “Riding like this, with Marco and Jeremy, for once without the pressure of the stopwatch, was pure fun”, said the World Champion. “The tire immediately made an excellent impression on me, as did the 848 which impressed me with its handling, power and excellent braking stability. It was a pleasant way to release the adrenaline of the race and relax doing one of the things I love most in the world. Bridgestone played an important role in my MotoGP career, they have been fantastic with me since we started collaborating, when I had not yet won a race: they have always listened to my sensations with great attention, working with great commitment. It was therefore a pleasure for me to participate in this event”.

Casey Stoner on the bend in Jerez with the Ducati 848

A smiling Marco Melandri is of the same opinion: “I really had fun. I went out to do five laps and never got out of my 848. After two hours they had to stop me or I would have missed my plane! The grip offered by the tire is excellent, the bike is fantastic in all its aspects. The front end is precise when changing direction, the powerful engine, the rear end that's fun to slide when entering corners. Truly a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Now a few days of rest and then, the Jerez GP. I can't wait to get back on track, and to start working with my team again to be able to exploit the full potential of my GP8".

Melandri also riding a white Ducati 848

The results were also positive for Loris Capirossi, who was very fast with the Suzuki GSX-R 1000. “I have been a Bridgestone driver for years, and it was a pleasure for me to participate in this event. The BT 016 is an extremely competitive tyre, it works well on both the front and the rear, where there is a grip similar to that of the MotoGP. It's really a great product, I will adopt it for my Suzuki GSX-R 1000!”.

Here is Loris Capirossi in action.

We close with a positive comment also from Anthony West. “I think it's an ideal tire for road driving, but on the track it's really competitive! It gives you a good feeling, it is constant and sincere in its performance. It has really interesting performance: Bridgestone has done a great job.”.

Anthony West with the new Kawasaki ZX-10R

Here is Alex De Angelis with the new Honda Fireblade

Breakaway at turn 1 for Toni Elias, Ducati 1098.

Nice duel between Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri.

Alessio Piana