MotoGP: Phillip Island test, Bridgestone satisfied

Satisfaction at Bridgestone after the three days of testing at Phillip Island. On the track the official riders of Yamaha (Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi), Honda (only Pedrosa given Marquez's injury) and Ducati (Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow), who tried different tires from the sole supplier with a view to the race. The test served to avoid the problems that last year forced a Flag to Flag race, given that with the new asphalt the tires did not last more than 10 laps.

Bridgestone brought 2 front specs and 8 rear specs as slicks, including six rears developed specifically for the Phillip Island circuit. In total, 861 laps were covered. The first day of the test was used to start testing the six experimental tyres, while the second and third days were dedicated to race simulations. Of the six experimental rear slicks, three proved to be better in terms of durability, performance and rider feedback. These three options have been tested extensively over the last two days and the positive feedback from the drivers means that they will form the basis of tire development for the Australian Grand Prix in October.

The last of the three days was the one that came closest in terms of temperatures to the conditions that will be found in the race, which is why the feedback from the riders was very important.

“This was a very positive test for Bridgestone, we achieved all our objectives – he said Shinji Aoki, Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Tire Development Department – I would like to thank the drivers and teams for all their hard work over the three days, without them we would not have been able to achieve what we set out to do. Our main aim was to find some suitable rear tire options for this circuit and of the six experimental rear slicks, three gave very encouraging results. From these we will develop the tires for the Australian Grand Prix in October and we are confident that we can supply tires that will last the full race distance whilst maintaining very high levels of safety and performance.”

Bridgestone slicks available:

Front: extra-soft and soft. Rear: Hard (various test compounds – asymmetric)
Weather: Dry. Environment 17-33°; Asphalt 22-52° (Bridgestone measurement)