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Pirelli Tires Narrowing the Gap Between MotoGP and WSBK: A New Era Begins in Balaton
Motorsport enthusiasts have been closely following the recent tests conducted with Pirelli tires. Notably, Nicolo Bugea, the MotoGP champion in the three-race series in Hungary on Ducati’s 850cc MotoGP motorcycle, stated that these tests revealed the potential to reduce the tire technology gap between MotoGP and WSBK.
A New Experience in Mugello
Following his three-race victory at the Balaton Park between May 1-3, Italian pilot Nicolo Bugea participated in the first test of Ducati’s new 850cc MotoGP motorcycle in Mugello. Bugea had previously participated in a MotoGP test in Jerez in October, where he competed with a 1000cc Ducati Desmosedici and Michelin tires. In the recent Mugello test, he rode the 850cc motorcycle and Pirelli tires. This test is considered part of Pirelli’s efforts to strengthen its position in MotoGP.
The Impact of Tire Changes: “Adaptation is Much Easier”
In an interview with GPOne, Bugea stated that the tire changes significantly altered the feel of the motorcycle. “Last year, the most difficult part in wildcard races was adapting to the Michelins because the tires were very different,” Bugea said. “When I returned to Superbike, it took me two or three days to get used to the Pirellis. This time it was much easier because I tested the MotoGP motorcycle with Pirelli tires.” The pilot added that the feel of the MotoGP motorcycle in the initial tests was very close to that of a Superbike, and this showed an important step in Pirelli closing the gap between the two world motorcycle sports.
“Feel is Very Similar”
Bugea stated, “There are still small differences because one is MotoGP and the other is Superbike, but the overall character is very similar.” He expressed that the feel in the first MotoGP tests was very close to that of a Superbike and that he immediately felt comfortable when he returned to Superbike in the Czech Republic. He emphasized that he used to find it difficult to remember to constantly use the MotoGP motorcycle when he tested it, but that the experience in the Mugello test was fantastic and that the riding feel of the MotoGP motorcycle resembled the Superbike very closely.
Looking Ahead
These tests can be considered the first step in Pirelli’s efforts to reduce the tire technology gap between MotoGP and WSBK. Specifically, this experience with the 850cc motorcycle and Pirelli tires could contribute to the emergence of more competition and similarity between the two world motorcycle sports in the future.
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