Pirelli supplied soft and medium compound tires for both axles to Moto2 and Moto3 riders at the Tissot Grand Prix of The Netherlands , which took place on June 26-28 at TT Circuit Assen.
With high temperatures experienced and a heatwave affecting much of Europe, Pirelli said the softer compounds would deliver greater grip levels to compensate for reduced asphalt performance in the heat. It anticipated ahead of the weekend that the rear soft tires – the SC0 for Moto2 and SC1 for Moto3 – would be the preferred choice across the weekend, including in the races themselves.
The front tire at Assen faces fewer demands than the rear, but stability and precision are important given the circuit’s fast corners and frequent changes of direction. Pirelli said that both front options, the soft SC1 and medium SC2, were reliable options, when taking into account a rider’s style and bike characteristics.
The TT Circuit Assen, known as the Cathedral of Speed, is characterized by a sequence of fast corners demanding high average speeds and smooth riding, rather than outright top speed. For tires, the layout generates continuous lateral loads and significant thermal stress, while the asphalt’s low abrasiveness means structural fatigue is a greater concern than surface wear. The lack of heavy braking zones also makes tire warm-up more difficult, a challenge compounded by often changeable weather. The overall demand is for stability, consistent performance and directional precision throughout the lap.
“The Assen circuit represents a unique test bench on the calendar due to its extremely flowing layout, which requires riders to maintain a high and consistent pace throughout the lap,” said Giorgio Barbier, motorcycle racing director, Pirelli.
“The particular configuration of the track mainly rewards cornering precision and the ability to manage load transfers progressively, aspects that highlight the correct balance of the bike and the overall effectiveness of the tire package. In this context, it becomes essential to guarantee predictable and uniform behavior, capable of supporting the rider through rapid changes of direction and high-speed cornering phases.
“Considering the high temperatures expected, the rear soft solutions, SC0 in Moto2 and SC1 in Moto3, represent a particularly effective option thanks to the higher level of grip they offer. The front, although not presenting any marked critical issues, plays a fundamental role in terms of stability, precision and consistent performance, all indispensable elements on such a fast track. For this reason, both available solutions, soft SC1 and medium SC2, can represent valid alternatives depending on riding style and the characteristics of each bike.”
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