Softer Option Tyre Consistency Key to Pedrosa Fastest Lap at Misano

Dani Pedrosa continued to chip away at the lead built earlier in the season by Jorge Lorenzo with his second win in two weeks at the Misano Circuit in Japan, though the Grand Prix was overshadowed by the tragic death of Moto2 rider Shoya Tomizawa following an accident. Pedrosa dominated proceedings all weekend and led from the green light, setting a new lap record. Valentino Rossi kept Andrea Dovizioso at bay to finish third. Whilst rain was forecast for Sunday’s race, it failed to materialise and conditions were dry and warm all weekend, allowing all riders to used the softer compound rear tyre and the harder compound front, apart from Alvaro Bautista who used the softer front to good effect, finishing eighth with the sixth fastest lap time.

Tohru Ubukata, manager at Bridgestone’s Motorcycle Tyre Development Department, said: “The temperature this weekend was such that both compounds of front and rear tyre could perform well – it was in the overlap between the temperature operating ranges of each option. We saw on Friday and Saturday that riders were using both specs in order to assess their race tyre choice and the performance of each was good, so it was possible that both options for the front and rear could be used for the race.

“During the two free practice sessions, all riders confirmed the consistency of the softer option rear tyres over race distance, and because the softer compound offers more grip as well, this is what ended up being the favoured race tyre. If there are no race-distance consistency concerns with the softer option, it will generally be favoured for its extra grip and traction.

“With regards front tyre choices, most riders chose the harder to give more stability as the harder rubber is stiffer and thus gives them more front-end feel and confidence. Alvaro showed however that even the softer front tyre worked quite well over race distance, and he was able to set the sixth fastest time overall.”

Hiroshi Yasukawa, director, Bridgestone Motorsport, continued: “I’d like to congratulate Dani and Repsol Honda today for their victory; they have really hit their stride at this point in the season and are very strong indeed. But today is a very sad day as we lost a great young Japanese rider, a wonderful character and a shining light who was so young in his motorcycle racing career. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tomizawa-san’s family and friends at this tragic time. His memory shall remain bright in our hearts.”

Dani Pedrosa added: “We had very good race pace and my first back-to-back victory and the fourth of the season is great for me and the team. We are working good and getting stronger. Shoya was a very funny guy, always making jokes, and on the bike he was very great too so this is a very sad time.”