Dutch TT, Assen: Bridgestone Preview
Assen, the venue for round seven of the 2013 MotoGP™ season has one of the fastest average speeds on the calendar and its diverse, technical layout makes it a rider and fan favourite.
The Assen circuit is not particularly demanding for front tyres so softer rubber compounds are offered in the front slicks to provide better grip and warm-up performance. The rear tyres are put under comparatively more stress and it is the right shoulders of the rear slicks that take the most punishment, especially in the sequence of corners from Mandeveen to Hoge Heide. As a result, asymmetric rear slicks with harder rubber on the right shoulder a must at this circuit.
Following a partial resurfacing of the track in 2006, grip levels vary in different parts of the Assen circuit and so Bridgestone will provide tyres with rubber compounds towards the softer end of its range to ensure maximum rider safety.
Assen has always been harsh on rear tyres due to its high average speed and numerous high-camber corners. However, the introduction of the 1000cc MotoGP machines and the corresponding increase in power output, performance and bike weight means this circuit is now classified as particularly severe for tyres. As a result, all rear slicks supplied for this race will be in the same heat-resistant construction used at Mugello, though in softer compound options to suit the layout of this circuit. CRT riders will be allocated the soft and medium-soft rear slick options, while the works riders will be able to choose from the medium-soft and medium compound rear slicks.
The main wet tyre for the Dutch TT will be the soft compound though riders will be able to select up to two front and rear wet tyres in the alternative hard compound if required.
Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Extra-soft & Soft. Rear: Soft, Medium-soft & Medium (Asymmetric)
Bridgestone wet tyre compounds available: Soft (Main), Hard (Alternative)
Hiroshi Yamada – Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department
“The Dutch TT at Assen is often an intriguing race as the circuit is fast and presents many overtaking opportunities. The weather often plays its part at this event and in recent years we have experienced a lot of variability in weather conditions, ranging from cold and wet to very warm and dry. The variety of corners at this circuit make it very important for teams to find a good setup as the bikes have to work well through slow and fast corners, while being nimble in the numerous changes of direction. For the first time this year we are bringing heat-resistant rear slicks to Assen and I believe that using this specification of tyre combined with the softer rubber compound options we are offering for this race will provide the best combination of safety and performance.”
Shinji Aoki – Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development Department
“Assen is a fast and technical circuit that requires asymmetric tyres because of the high loads placed on the right shoulder of the rear tyres. Following its modification in 2006 there are two distinct types of tarmac, with the newer tarmac having less grip and also being less abrasive than the older surface. This difference in surface grip can also make the circuit tricky in wet conditions. The tyres at this circuit have to cope with a wide range of corners from slow to high speed, and the layout means high grip levels on the shoulder and edges of the tyre is crucial. The first few corners are linked as one and gradually tighten, requiring good right shoulder durability, and corners such as Ramshoek demand absolute commitment and generate high tyre temperature. Since the heavier, more powerful 1000cc machines have been introduced to MotoGP we have had to reclassify Assen as a severe circuit for tyres, so for the first time this year all rear slicks supplied for the Dutch TT are in our heat-resistant Special Construction specification.”
Source: Bridgestone Motorsport
