MotoGP: Bridgestone in Qatar with asymmetric tyres

Bridgestone is preparing to compete in its fifth season as the sole supplier of the MotoGP class. The tire supplier is ready to face the first race scheduled in Qatar, where as usual it takes place at night. Precisely this particularity and the sand that blows from the desert are two factors that the technicians will have to deal with and to overcome this asymmetric tires will be brought again this year.

“It is with great pride that Bridgestone begins its fifth year as official tire supplier to MotoGP this weekend in Qatar,” he said. Hiroshi Yamada, Head of Bridgestone Motorsport – This race also marks the introduction of revised tire allocation rules, which sees each driver receive an additional rear tire and set of wet tyres, and this change is just the latest example of Bridgestone's ongoing commitment to improving quality of service for drivers and teams. Many drivers have shown good form in the pre-season test and the whole grid looks more competitive, so I'm sure we will see an exciting race this weekend and that the season as a whole will be one to remember. I am also very curious to see the new qualifying format in action, and I want to wish all riders a safe and successful season.”

“The first race of the season in Qatar represents a challenge for tire development. Racing at night, when the track temperatures are always quite low, is something that normally requires softer compounds, but the sand that comes from the desert and blows towards the circuit, making the surface very abrasive, also means that durability becomes a priority Shinji Aoki, Head of Bridgestone Motorsport Tire Development Division – This combination of low temperatures and high “abrasion” makes tire work very difficult, especially on the right shoulder; in fact, they must be soft to guarantee grip at low temperatures, but also be strong enough to resist wear. There is also a need for stability during sudden braking. To respond to these needs, last year we brought asymmetric rear slicks to Qatar, and this helped improve performance and safety, and we will do the same this year for the medium and hard compounds. Our front tire compounds will be soft and hard, the softer option being offered if particularly cold conditions are encountered.”