Harder tyres on offer for complex and demanding Mugello

As one of the fastest circuits on the MotoGP calendar Mugello presents not only a challenge to riders and teams as they prepare their set-ups for the Italian circuit, but also for official tyre supplier Bridgestone.

With a huge demand placed on tyres due to an abrasive track surface, long and high speed corners, and areas of heavy braking due to the undulating nature of the layout Bridgestone has another all-encompassing task at the Gran Premio d’Italia TIM, and it is one the Japanese company is prepared for. For this combination of reasons the medium and hard front and rear tyre options will be made available to riders for the weekend.

“Mugello is one of the fastest circuits on the calendar and is tough on tyres because of the combination of this speed, the track temperature which is often high, and the technically demanding nature,” said Bridgestone Tyre Development Manager, Tohru Ubukata. “There are significant elevation changes which cause greater loads on the tyres, especially under braking. The Arrabbiata, Scarperia and Bucine corners are crucial to good lap times here, so the last half of the lap is very important.”

“Edge grip is also very important at Mugello as the circuit is very flowing so the bikes spend a lot of time on the shoulders of the tyres. As well as grip, the shoulders are crucial in providing good stability to give the riders confidence and good feeling throughout the lap,” concluded Ubukata.

Bridgestone Motorsport Department Hiroshi Yamada explained how the company are also preparing for what will be a particularly busy period in the MotoGP calendar.

“The season is really getting underway now and with six races in eight weeks, momentum will be very important for the riders,” he said. “For us it means that we will transport, fit and strip over 4000 tyres by the end of next month, so whilst they are tested on the track, our logistics will be put to the test between the races.”