Oulton Park may provide first 2013 BSB outing for Pirelli rain tyre

The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship is set for the first ‘triple-header’ of the season this weekend as the paddock returns to Oulton Park in Cheshire for the second time this season, and with showers forecast the Pirelli Diablo Rain tyre may get its first 2013 in-race use. The weekend also sees races from the both the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 and 600 Championships and the Ducati TriOptions 848 Challenge taking place, with every competitor using the Diablo Supercorsa SC V2 control tyre.

The battle for the all-important top six Superbike showdown positions is heating up as the main season begins to draw to a close. The top three remain clear as reigning champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne continues to lead the way ahead of young Alex Lowes and 2013 Isle of Man TT star Josh Brookes. Further down the table remains an open battle, with the Milwaukee Yamaha of James Ellison sitting in fourth, just ten points ahead of Ryuichi Kiyonari who in turn is ten points ahead of the BMW’s of Kirkham and Westmoreland, both level pegging on 100 points. In addition, Chris Walker, PJ Jacobson and Keith Farmer all remain in striking distance.

“Oulton Park is always one of the most popular rounds for riders and fans with many corners needing ‘full commitment’,” commented Pirelli racing manager Jason Griffiths. “The championship is really beginning to heat up, and with three races this weekend, anything can happen.

 “Back in May, both Lowes and Byrne used the softer SC1 option rear tyre to take a victory apiece and we expect that all the riders will once again choose this tyre if conditions remain dry,” Griffiths continued. “The weather forecast looks unsettled and Oulton Park is renowned for localised showers of rain. The track tends to dry quickly and we’ve experienced these difficult conditions at Oulton before which test the durability of the Diablo Rain.”