Ahead of this weekend’s World SBK action in Holland, Pirelli have confirmed that they will be bringing two brand new tyres to the famous Assen TT circuit.
A new front slick, which is being worked on as an evolution of the standard SC3, is said to offer increased mechanical strength to better deal with the kinds of forces that Assen and similar tracks subject them to.
Should the weather turn, there is also a new rear rain tyre, which features a completely new tread pattern, profile and compound that when combined together are said to offer improved performance in lower temperatures.
Historically Assen is considered to be one of the most difficult circuits in the world, and the nickname “Cathedral of Speed” clearly gives a hint of the high average speeds riders are lapping at.
Built in 1925, the circuit originally hosted road races through the towns around Assen. At the time the track was about 28 km long, while the modern circuit was not built until 1955 when the total length was reduced to 7.705 m. Further changes followed in 2006 which totally removed the first part of the circuit, reducing the length by almost 1,500 metres. Today, after the many changes made over the years, the track is 4,552 metres long with the longest straight stretch measuring 970 metres, with 11 left hand turns and 6 right-handers.
The track is characterised by a sequence of long corners at constant speed, slow U-shaped curves under braking and sudden acceleration zones, fast chicanes and long curves with strong acceleration at the exit with the bike still in leaning over. The extremely varied layout puts huge emphasis on tyre choice for teams and riders as a result.
Assen’s track surface also offers high levels of mechanical grip, and with it’s aggressive nature it can be a challenge for riders to manage their tyres as a race progresses. In lower temperatures, the rear solutions can suffer tearing problems, especially the softer compounds.
Pirelli will be hoping that both of these new introductions offer tangible improvements for riders this weekend.
