| Desmo Due tyres for 2010
Well, I realise that there has been a lot of speculation on this subject, but we have finally been able to complete the necessary tests and reach a decision about tyres for 2010.
It would appear that we cannot have a guarentee of supply of Diablos for 2010, so we need to change the tyre for the series.
Given that there needs to be a change it was agreed by the RC that we should test a Pirelli replacement and perhaps two other options. So on Saturday Kev Ellis and Chris Pullen rocked up at Mallory for probably one of the worst days to do a trackday weather wise.
They then proceeded to test product from Pirelli, Bridgestone and Maxxis.
Having set a benchmark time on a set of Diablo's Kev then tried the new Pirelli Rosso, followed by the Bridgestone 003 and then finally the Maxxis. During these sessions the track became gradually dryer and speeds rose.
Having looked at the times, we also took tyre temperatures and particularly warm up times into account.
What does this mean:
3rd Place: - Maxxis - took 6 laps to start to warm up and give a proper level of grip, then on the pace. Stability/confidence level 4/10, appears to be designed for a bike with 130bhp+ that would work the carcass harder and generate more heat. Almost certainly needs to be used with warmers for DD bikes.
2nd Place: - Bridgestone - took 4/5 laps to build up enough heat to be able to start pushing. Stability/confidence 6/10, confirmed as more of a trackday tyre for 100bhp+. Again would do much better with warmers for DD bikes.
1st Place: - Pirelli Rosso - took 2 laps to generate enough heat to be able to start pushing them and lapped 3.5 sec faster than Diablo's despite conditions. Stability/confidence 7/10, construction of carcass and tread pattern well suited to 60bhp DD bike. Because of more road orentated construction does not need warmers for DD bikes.
Given the incremental cost of everyone having to buy warmers and a generator within the DD paddock, this is not a move that the RC wishes to maker the grid undertake. We beleive that it is better to stay with both being banned and controlling costs.
Accordingly the rules will be updated to show that the control tyre for 2010 will be the Diablo Rosso. However entrants will be allowed to use their existing Diablos for the 1st 3 rounds of the 2010 season.
We will be advising the fitted price from Holbeech shortly, but expect them to be similar to the 2009 price.  |