With its 4592 meters of perimeter on each lap and 15 turns, the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is divided into two totally different zones with regard to braking on MotoGP™ motorcycles, the only ones in all motorcycles that use carbon as materialpress for the construction of braking discs and pads by virtue of its superior capabilities and effectiveness at very high temperatures that reach around 800 degrees Celsius.
According to technicians at Brembo, the braking system supplier to all bikes on the MotoGP™ grid, the constant ups and downs of the track make it more difficult for riders to calibrate braking, at the risk of failing in the descent zones or braking too early when in the ascending zones. So it becomes necessary to choose the best option in terms of brake calipers and then adjust according to the individual desire of each rider.
Also according to the data collected by the braking techs, 31% of the time it takes to complete a lap is done in braking and on a scale of 1 to 6 the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is considered a level 3 (Intermediate) with regard to braking requirements.
The most demanding corner for the braking system is the first, thanks to the 969 meters of straight that precede it. At the end of a four-second brake the MotoGP™ riders reduce their speed from 330 kilometres per hour to 123 by just 243 metres. To achieve this they apply a force of 7 kilos to the brake lever and the brake fluid pressure inside the system reaches 14.9 bar. Demanding are also turns 3 and 5, standing out the latter where the initial speed is 254km/h and the entry into turn is 70km/h after five seconds of braking.
Needless to say that the first third of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is one of the tracks where braking prevails, whereas the rest the focus is on the technique and speed... all of which help towards a good result at the end of the 25 race laps.