It's not a track like all the others. Phillip Island is fairly unique, particularly in terms of the tyre wear. In the Pirelli camp, Giorgio Barbier analyses the track characteristics. The Italian manager focuses on the present, with an eye to the future. One thing is certain though: in 2017 Pirelli's work is focused around performance in the Superpole.
This is a tough track.
“Exactly, for the tyres it's the most complicated track of all. Monza was the same, but now this is the only one. He has an old-style stamp, if we were in Europe there would probably be a chicane at the last corner. But luckily that's not the case. Temperatures are high here, so as a result there is significant overheating of the tyre”.
Here there are no standard tyres from the range.
“ At the rear we don't bring the standard tyre of course, as it could cause problems through the last three turns, due to the heightened mechanical stress and heat stress”.
It was a long winter. What have riders requested?
“That we focus mainly on the performance of the soft compound, or rather the zero. In recent seasons we've moved half the races towards the soft choice, creating a zero for the market that is well-used. We need to create stable performance, while keeping versatility in mind too”.
The medium solution seems like the obvious choice Australia.
“It's the best, the soft tyres would lead to increased wear, seeing as the tyres work at 140 degrees here at Phillip Island. The medium offers significant grip, last year we were able to improve the race time by 12 seconds compared to 2015. We're at the qualifying levels now.”
On Friday, during his long run, Rea stood out. He highlighted that the Pirelli tyres are incredible. What should we expect to see in qualifying?
“I think they'll be lapping in 1’29”.With the race tyre Rea has done 1’30”8”.
Is the SBK the ideal platform for development?
“Very much so, it's ideal for us, because you have seven manufacturers across Supersport and Superbike and that allows you to collect a great deal of data. In September and October, thanks to our experience in the field, we can refresh the range available on the market".
What's this year's challenge?
“In 2017 we expect a qualifying tyre that can complete a greater number of laps without the performance dropping. Right now, most riders only have one lap in which to perform, but our idea is to provide a more durable tyre, to increase the show from a TV standpoint, without riders being forced to wait for the final minutes”.
You are in F1 and SBK, have you consider the MotoGP?
“The MotoGP is a great project linked to prototypes, useful in giving a company a good image. Our creed is already strong on a brand level, thanks to F1. So we don't need to reinforce the brand, only our product. The SBK is the ideal platform.”
So that's a definite no then?
“You never say never, but prototypes are too far from production-derived bikes. Right now, we're still far from market needs and we need to focus on the now”.