WSBK 2011

[Rob]

Giorgio Barbier, Racing Director, Pirelli Moto, gives his analysis of the opening round of 2011 World Superbike from the point of view of the championship's one-make tyre supplier.

"A very difficult way to start off the eighth season as official tyre supplier to WSBK, Pirelli brought 2000 tyres to carry out two days of testing earlier in the week, with riders testing 4 fronts and 5 rears, some of which were also made available for the race weekend. The total lot of 3000 Diablo Superbike and Diablo Supercorsa tyres brought for racing included mid-soft (SC1), medium (SC2) and hard (SC3) compound choices for the front and SC0 (soft) and SC1 (mid-soft) tyres for the rear, including a newly developed wider and taller profile. Conditions on track changed radically over the week, starting from 50% humidity and 24-30°C on track, to the 55% humidity and 49°C found during Friday practice and Superpole. With Sunday morning rain, the SBK and SSP teams prepared for Race 1, having to make setup adjustments for the new conditions: 23°C track temps and 75% humidity."

"Checa (Ducati) proved strongest all week, having dipped below the 1'31 mark in testing and repeating this feat in Superpole, setting a new best lap of 1'30.882 and took pole position. The "B" medium compound front and "B" mid-soft compound rear were the 1-2 finishers' tyre selection, although podium finishers Haslam (BMW) and Melandri (Yamaha) opted for the "D" medium compound rear designed just for Phillip Island, helping Haslam record BMW's third podium and Melandri's first in SBK. Four riders opted to make tyre changes for Race 2: Xaus (Honda), Haga (Aprilia) and Corser (BMW) mounted the "A" soft compound rear, and Checa chose the "B" medium front tyre."

"In Supersport, Foret (Honda) set a lap record and Yamaha returned to the podium with Scassa's victory, who was in turn followed by Parkes (Kawasaki) and Lowes (Honda). Tyre difficulties encountered in Supersport and also changes from Race 1 to Race 2 in Superbike indicate that work needs to continue towards solutions for the humid track conditions endured during the weekend."

[Rob]

Checa won both races. Good start to the new season for him and Ducati next round Donington 27th March.

[Rob]

Friday, 04 March 2011 12:37

Donington Park has received its official homologation from the FIM , giving the Leicestershire venue the green light to host the European round of the Superbike World Championship from 25-27 March.

The FIM conducted its final circuit inspection last week to ensure that the revamped track meets with the organization's strict regulations. Major investment over the past five months brings the venue in line with other top European, Middle Eastern and Asian circuits in terms of safety standards.

Donington Park Racing's Chairman Kevin Wheatcroft declared. "The whole team deserves appreciation for their hard work in getting to this point. With the time lost due to bad weather over the winter, the major effort has had to focus on restoring and preparing the track itself to meet FIM regulations and bring World Superbikes back."

"We're now working round the clock to have facilities ready in time for SBK and fans will see many positive changes, although inevitably because of the earlier delays some planned improvements will not be complete in time. I'd like to thank fans in advance for their ongoing patience and support of Donington Park and hope they are able to enjoy the spectator experience of world-class racing on the revamped track."

Donington circuit will now have improved spectator areas at Redgate and Hollywood bank, and a new section of the infield will be open to the public. Circuit access has been improved and the reconstruction of the paddock area has created extra space. Catering and camping facilities have also undergone a revamp.

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/5-ne...ton-round.html

[Tifoso]

Awesome thread.

Amico mio, could you post up a schedule?(if you can't edit your 1st post, post it after this, and I will merge it into your 1st post)

[Rob]

Awesome thread.

Amico mio, could you post up a schedule?(if you can't edit your 1st post, post it after this, and I will merge it into your 1st post)

grazie


Dates Grand Prix Circuit
February 27 Australia Phillip Island
March 27 Europe Donington
April 17 The Netherlands Assen
May 8 Italy Monza
May 30 (Monday) United States Miller Motorsport Park
June 12 San Marino Misano
June 19 Spain Motorland Aragon
July 10 Czech Republic Brno
July 31 Great Britain Silverstone
September 4 Germany Nürburgring
September 25 Italy Imola
October 2 France Magny-Cours
October 16 Portugal Portimão