MotoGP
Britain’s leading MotoGP light Bradley Smith is looking forward to “the best and worst part of the season” in one race, when he gears up for a spectacular Silverstone homecoming. Speaking exclusively to the series’ official tyre supplier Bridgestone, the Monster Energy Tech 3 star gives his thoughts on a red letter day below, fresh on the back of a top six finish at Indianapolis.
Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa took his first win of the MotoGP season at Brno, setting a new circuit record lap of 1:56.027. The Czech Republic grand prix was the fastest ever race to take part at the Automotodrom Brno, with Pedrosa’s total race time being three seconds quicker than the existing record time set at […]
One of Britain’s leading MotoGP stars, Bradley Smith has endorsed Bridgestone’s Battlax Hypersport S20 Evo in a new video made by the MotoGP tyre supplier. Bridgestone says the new sporty road tyre improves upon the performance and safety of the S20, with greater durability and stability. The tyre was unveiled at the Autódromo Internacional race circuit near Portimão, Portugal, with Monster Energy Tech 3 star, Smith allowed to get a feel for it on his Yamaha.
Dunlop Motorsport has used the Moto 2 and 3 mid-season break to examine the changes brought about by its 2014 tyre philosophy. The manufacturer’s 2013 rubber provided more opportunities for riders to make choices about the tyres that suited them best at a particular circuit, Dunlop’s tyre selections this year have led to very little variation in the top riders’ decisions. Clinton Howe, Dunlop’s operations manager, Motorcycle Grand Prix, explains that the manufacturer has been able to develop tyres that are harder – and therefore last longer – and more versatile without compromising on pace.
Dunlop has announced its plans to bring forward the introduction of two new front tyres planned for 2015 to the current season. A new front soft compound tyre is now available for circuits that are easier on tyres or colder weather conditions; a replacement front tyre designed to work better in high track temperatures is the other tyre to be introduced early following testing post-race at Cataluña and Mugello earlier in the year. Rear tyres were also tested in Spain, and Dunlop now has a specification undergoing more testing to prove longevity in different conditions.
Following the announcement that Michelin will be the new exclusive tyre supplier to MotoGP, Dunlop announced it would continue to concentrate on its current supply partnerships: “MotoGP continues to be a very strong global event and we are proud of our long-standing relationship with the MotoGP organizers through our continued supply to the FIM Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships. Dunlop is in the fortunate position of having many strong partnerships with motorcycle manufacturers and leading championships around the world. We have taken the decision to focus on developing and supplying tyres for these important partners for the immediate future,” stated Sanjay Khanna, managing director, Dunlop Motorsport and Motorcycle EMEA.
Michelin will replace Bridgestone as the exclusive tyre supplier to MotoGP in 2016. The French manufacturer won the official tender, opened in May by Dorna in agreement with the FIM. Outlining the tender process, Dorna said that interested tyre manufacturers were able to request the technical specifications from its managing director Javier Alonso, with three […]
Addressing speculation about Pirelli’s interest in MotoGP tyre supply after Bridgestone withdraws, Paul Hembery indicates that the Italian tyre maker isn’t pushing for selection. Crash.net reports that the WSBK series remains Pirelli’s focus. “We’re heavily involved with superbikes and the promoter is the same, so we are bound to have been in discussions, but there’s no plans at the moment to do anything,” commented Hembery at the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix. “Our motorcycle team are reviewing that, but I have to say as a company we are very happy with our involvement in superbikes.”
The recent launch of Bridgestone’s Battlax Hypersport S20 EVO is being supported by a new promotional film starring Valentino Rossi. The multiple MotoGP world champion served as motorcycle tyre adviser during the S20 EVO’s development, and in the film he puts the hypersport tyre through its paces on a Yamaha YZF-R1. The short film can be viewed here.
It has now been sole tyre supplier to the World Superbike championship for more than ten years and is also partner to national championships, including British Superbike. But is Pirelli looking to further extend its two-wheel motorsport participation? Bikesportnews.com says it is. Matteo Giusti, the tyre maker’s racing and product communication manager, told BSN that Pirelli is currently discussing its “next steps regarding the possibility to make an offer for MotoGP.” He added that Michelin and Dunlop have also expressed interest in supplying the championship, however at present nothing has been decided.
After what will be fourteen years of involvement, Bridgestone will end its MotoGP tyre supply at the end of the 2015 season. Series organiser Dorna has agreed to extend Bridgestone’s current supply contract, which was due to expire after the current season, for one year, and the company says this will then be its final season as tyre supplier. As was the case when it reported in 2009 its intention to wrap up supply to Formula One, the tyre maker links its decision to cease MotoGP supply to a fulfillment of the objectives it set out for itself in the championship.
Bridgestone and motorcycle racing legend Valentino Rossi recently came together near the nine-time world champion’s home in Tavullia, Italy to collaborate on a promotional film that celebrates their winning partnership. The film showcases how both the tyre maker and Valentino ‘share’ a winning DNA, starting out from humble beginnings before going on to become leaders in the world of motorsport. Viewers are taken on a dramatic journey with both Bridgestone and Rossi, integrating historic and current footage that highlights their shared values and joint successes.
A total of six pan-European competitions will be held and 46 winners will receive a range of prizes, including Bridgestone and VR46 co-branded merchandise. As well as meeting Rossi, the top prize offers two fans the chance to go behind the scenes in the MotoGP paddock.
On Sunday the first race of the 2014 MotoGP gets underway at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit, and Bridgestone says it “has not forgotten the growing army of fans attracted to MotoGP” in its sixth year as official series tyre supplier. To aid spectator involvement, the tyre maker has introduced a new sidewall colour marking system into the series and will debut this in Qatar.
In 2014, Cambrian Tyres says it is going to be working as hard as ever to ensure it remains a one stop shop for motorcycle and scooter tyres. As the largest motorcycle tyre distributor in the UK, the company sees itself as being in the perfect position to monitor and react to trends, and then make sure everything its customers need is available. With over 100,000 tyres in stock and a 98.6 per cent next working day delivery success rate across the UK, Cambrian says everything its customers need is just a phone call away.
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