Cambrian Tyres

23 Mar 2009

Nardò (Lecce, Italy) March 14-15^th 2009 – Pirelli and international journalists recorded a new 24-hour World Duration Record at the Nardò Technical Center aboard at 2009 Suzuki Hayabusa, covering a distance of 5135.071 km (3190.8 mi) at an average speed of 213.96 km/h (132.9 mph) using only one set of Pirelli’s new Angel ST sport-touring tyre, a road tour simulation equal to 12,000 km (7,500 mi) at normal speeds.

On a second motorcycle, the 2009 Kawasaki GTR 1400, Pirelli and guests generated six additional records in this new class, including a 12-hour World Record of 2502.873 km (1555.2 mi) which averaged 208.573 km/h (129.6 mph). The latter feat was especially emotional, for on the last lap which would pass the 12-hour time, the engine failed half-way around the track, ending the chance to make the full 24 hours. Pirelli tester Michele Corallini, also the oldest member of the team at 54, through all measures of audible encouragement from his whole team and FIM steward, pushed the motorcycle for over 2 hours the final seven kilometers to cross the chronometrist’s line register the lap before celebrating this final threshold with his team. Holding his spirits and gathering the strength to finish was a perfect representation of the passion that is the core of Pirelli’s DNA.

Pirelli technical staff participating in this event added more duration records to those which they had themselves set in June of 2000 in the A11 Category on Suzuki Hayabusa of the same year. The 2009 Suzuki Hayabusa and a 2009 Kawasaki GTR 1400 used during this event are classed individually (A11 & A12 respectively) by the FIM which maintains these records of period and duration. Each of the 15 international journalists and 12 testing staff who participated in the record setting rode aboard at least one of the two motorcycles for duration of half of an hour (20 min + technical time) during the 24-hour period, making this a memorable celebration of the new Angel ST for all.

List of Participants

The Angel ST is due for release later in 2009. You can be sure Cambrian Tyres will have the tyre as soon as it becomes available.