MotoGP™ Assen, Netherlands race preview
Round seven of the 2012 MotoGP™ World Championship, the Dutch TT takes place at the historic Assen circuit which despite having one of the shortest straights of any circuit in the series, has the second fastest average speed.
- Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Soft, Medium. Rear: Medium-Soft, Medium (Asymmetric)
- Bridgestone wet tyre compounds available: Hard (Main), Soft (Alternative)
Assen is not particularly demanding for front tyres even though grip levels on the circuit are quite variable following a partial resurfacing in 2006, so the soft and medium compounds are offered to provide better grip and warm-up performance. The rear tyres are put under comparatively more stress and in particular, the sequence of right-handers from Mandeveen to Hoge Heide generates significant load on the right shoulder of the rear tyre.
Although cool track conditions are common at Assen, warmer temperatures are not unheard of. For example in 2010, the track temperature during the race reached 47°C compared to a peak of just 18°C in 2011 and this potential for large variations in track temperature makes developing tyres for Assen a challenge and emphasises the importance of the wider operating temperature range engineered into the 2012 specification MotoGP™ tyres.
To meet this challenge, Bridgestone has revised the compounds in its asymmetric rear slicks for Assen with last year’s medium and hard options being replaced with the medium-soft and medium options. These new rear slicks feature either the extra-soft or soft rubber on the left shoulder combined with the medium compound rubber on the right shoulder to keep the tyre in its optimal temperature range and to provide greater edge grip from the first lap.
Hiroshi Yamada – Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department
“The Dutch TT is one of the highlights of the MotoGP season and the fast layout of the Assen circuit requires maximum commitment from racers. This weekend marks the start of a very busy time for the paddock and over the next few weeks fans will be treated to back-to-back races at three amazing venues. It is always hard to predict what the weather will do at Assen, but I am confident that our revised tyre selection for this race weekend is well matched to the demands of this technical circuit.
“Jorge is looking strong at the moment after his three successive wins, but Casey, Dani and Ben, who had a fantastic victory here last year, will be very motivated to end his winning streak and so I believe another intense contest will take place on Saturday. I hope that both Cal and Karel are making progress in recovering from their injuries and I look forward to seeing them back in action soon.”
Shinji Aoki – Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development Department
“Assen is one of the faster circuits on the calendar and requires asymmetric rear tyres because of the high loads placed on the right shoulder of the rear tyre in the fast right-hand corners. Following some alterations made to the circuit in 2006 there are two distinct types of tarmac: the new part is slippery whilst the old is abrasive, which creates variable grip levels and makes it particularly tricky for riders in the wet.
“In a similar development to Silverstone, to address the generally cool temperatures encountered at Assen we have changed the selection of asymmetric rear tyres for this weekend to the medium-soft and medium compounds. As the tyres at this circuit have to cope with a wide range of corners from very slow to high speed, shoulder grip is crucial hence us selecting rubber compounds that are relatively softer than at other circuits.”
source: bsmotorsport.com, bridgestonemotorsport.com
Ellison seeks Assen success
Round seven of the MotoGP World Championship takes place at the historic Assen circuit this weekend where PBM UK rider James Ellison is hoping to continue his recent good form.
Last time out at his home British Grand Prix, the 31-year-old from Kendal in Cumbria had to overcome some minor problems aboard the Claiming Rules Team (CRT) specification Aprilia ART but still managed to claim fourth place in the class as well as scoring his second World Championship points of the season at Silverstone.
The Dutch circuit has the distinction of being the only GP to race on a Saturday so Ellison and the Penrith-based team will be hoping to have something to celebrate that evening, like they did when former World and double European Champion Ellison took top CRT honours at the French Grand Prix at Le Mans last month.
With recent improvements to the electronics, Ellison is much more confident on the bike but still knows there is a long way to go with regards to development of the planned all-British project.
James Ellison: “We are hoping the improvements in mapping and traction control we made for the Silverstone race will carry on to Assen. We have had a run of really solid results but I know there is a lot more to come from both the settings and from myself. I need to get more out of the tyres when they are new to improve our grid position and also our position on the first couple of laps which are so critical. That’s what I will be focusing on this weekend as our race pace is strong after lap three. Assen was my first international win back in 2000 so I have fond memories and I can’t wait to get out on track!”
Paul Bird, Team Owner: “James rode really well at Silverstone and I was delighted for him and the team but we all know we still have an awful lot of work to do. We are now making steady progress and with the help of Aprilia, I’m confident we can start regularly challenging the top riders in CRT. Another strong result is what we are looking for this weekend and if James can get away with them from the start, then there’s no reason why we can’t be up there again.”
For more information, please visit www.pbmuk.net and www.motogp.com.
source: cartersport.com
MAHINDRA GEARS UP FOR ASSEN
The Mahindra team is heading to Assen in the Netherlands in a determined frame of mind this weekend. A disappointing weekend at Silverstone culminated in a setback for Danny Webb at his home GP, the latest in a series of technical issues facing the team this season.
Mahindra Racing has had a tough introduction to the new four-stroke Moto3™ series. However, the determination to turn things around remains high and the team is currently assessing its strategy while continuing with a programme of planned upgrades to the MGP-30 machine.
As CEO Mufaddal Choonia emphatically confirmed from the team’s Italian headquarters, one thing has not changed – Mahindra’s strong commitment to a long-term racing future.
“We understand the challenges faced by our team and riders,” said Choonia. “The Mahindra MGP-30 motorcycle handles well, but there are technical issues that need to be sorted out. Attempts by our engine partner to improve the situation have not had the desired result, although we hope some new parts for Assen will help the riders exploit the bike’s strong points.
“We are committed to the current programme for the rest of this season. We will stick with it, keep working and, perhaps most importantly, keep learning. That is the Mahindra philosophy. We also maintain our belief in the principle of developing our own independent design and engineering as, in the long run, we are confident that this will provide the greatest benefit to our company from the race programme,” the CEO continued.
The Dutch TT is the seventh round, held at the shorter (2.822-mile / 4.542km) modern version of the classic Assen circuit, which earned the title “Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing”. Unusually, the race is on Saturday, with Moto3 back to its usual slot as first race of the day.
DANNY WEBB
I used to live in the Netherlands, so I like the place and I like the track. We’ll keep working and keep pushing and this time I’m looking forward to seeing the chequered flag.
MARCEL SCHRÖTTER
We’ve been promised new engine parts, and I hope they take us a step forward. It’s time for me to have some better luck.
source: mahindraracing.com, mahindra.com