With 2013 marking Pirelli’s 10th season as sole tyre supplier in the WSBK series, the Pirelli Moto Racing Director Giorgio Barbier was interviewed about their continuing efforts within the championship, and also reflected on the 2013 season. He was also asked about the arrival of SBK EVO next year, and how Pirelli are working to ensure that the playing field remains level between all riders.
This year saw the introduction of the 17″ Diablo Supebike tyre, which was well received by all riders. The effects were visible with the improved performance and lap-times we saw during the season. Pirelli engineers worked hard in order to complete the move from 16.5″ to 17″ tyres, creating a brand new tyre with differing:
- Compounds
- Sidewalls
- Shoulders
The new 17″ tyre provided a larger contact patch, which in turn gave the riders greater stability during corner entry, as well as a greater level of durability. In previous seasons there have been 3 different compound options available for selection, but 2013 saw this slimmed down to just 2 compound choices. Thanks to the softer and more durable compounds Pirelli used in the 17″ tyre, they were able to increase the operating use of each compound, so just two tyre options were able to cope with all conditions. He stated that the hardest part of tyre development was creating an improved tyre each year, which matches the increasing expectations of riders whilst working well on every single bike.
Asked about the introduction of the SBK EVO in 2014, Barbier said that Pirelli may consider offering EVO and WSBK riders a different choice of tyre, which would help to keep riders on a level playing field. This will be key to ensuring that spectators get to enjoy close, fast paced and exciting racing next season between all riders. They have been working closely with Dorna in order to maintain a high level of competition, and we look forward to an exciting season of racing next year!
