Pirelli to supply new WSB EVO tyre, stage 2nd official test at Imola

Developed and tested in the World Endurance and national championships, Pirelli is supplying a new World Superbike tyre to premier class EVO riders. The tyre uses a very soft performance compound that, according to the supplier, should offer an advantage, especially at high temperatures. The fourth round at Imola will see Pirelli supply the new SCO EVO compound to the premier class, while debuting the standard SC0 compound in the Supersport class. In addition to the race weekend, Imola will stage the second official test, carried out after the first at Phillip Island and before those scheduled in Portimão on 21 and 22 July. The tests will be an opportunity for teams and riders to try out different development solutions that Pirelli will make available.

The new rear tyre for the EVO class is specification R1368, a very soft compound introduced for the higher summer temperatures, which is identifiable through the two orange stripes on the tread. The development SC1 S1185 for Superbike riders was widely used in Assen and Aragón as an alternative to the standard SC1. It offers more even wear and better performance, Pirelli said.

In its motorcycle racing setup, Imola is 4,936m long, with nine right hand turns, 13 left handers and it runs anti-clockwise. Pirelli calls it a rather technical and difficult track, with complex turns and braking sections, and it is raced at a fast pace that demands excellent riding skills. In August 2011, 70 per cent of the track surface was repaved, reacquiring a good level of mechanical grip but also significantly increasing the aggressiveness on the rear tyres, especially in medium-low temperatures.

Pirelli anticipates two pressure points for the rear tyres. First the rear tyre traces a narrow and stretched line on the slow Tosa bend, providing traction without losing side grip. As the rear tyre comes out of this bend it heats up less than on the faster turns. The external temperature of the tyre goes from 50°C coming into the turn to 120°C going out on the shoulder, affected with a lean angle of about 56°.

At the Variante Alta riders go from one side of the tyre to the other, from -55° to +55°, at 100°/s. In the first phase of the curve the tyre’s steel belt helps to heat the opposite side of the compound which will be used less than a second later.

The choice of the front tyres is more related to the rider’s style, with straight stretches and decisive, downhill braking sections, chicanes and turns, generally the front tyre selection is always a mixture, without any significant critical issues for soft or more robust front tyres. For the front tyres the most demanding spot is the Rivazza, where the front tyre suffers heavy stress; in about half a second the load on the tyre goes from 125kg to 250kg.

In the Superbike class, riders use slick Diablo Superbike tyres and, if necessary, carved tyres for wet Diablo Rain and intermediate Diablo Wet. Each rider will have 71 tyres including 36 front and 35 rear, notwithstanding the fact that for regulations a maximum of 24 tyres can be used and stickered for the entire race weekend. At the rear, Pirelli provides four fitments, two for all riders and a separate Superbike and EVO options, meaning each rider will be able to choose between three tyres.

WSB’s current standings see the Kawasaki team’s Tom Sykes and teammate Loris Baz separated by 15 points. Between the two is Aprilia Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, with Jonathan Rea’s Honda, showing great strength in race two at Assen, in fourth.