Press Release | March 28, 2018
Pirelli set for eleventh consecutive season as the Sole Tire Supplier to globally renowned series.
This is a press release from Pirelli…
Pirelli UK, Burton on Trent, UK – 28th March 2018 – After a dramatic final 2017 round saw a three way battle and Shane Byrne claim his sixth British Superbike Championship title, the 2018 series looks set to be the most competitive yet with 13 different race winners and a line-up of eager young guns.
Pirelli will be supplying the massive Superbike and support class field for an eleventh consecutive season; aiming for yet more lap records combined with close results and an even playing field. Logistically speaking, 4000 slick, treaded and wet weather tires are brought to each of the twelve events to cover all eventualities, with race meetings held throughout England plus a round in Scotland and Holland.
Riders in the Superbike class will continue to have the option of four customer range DIABLO™ Superbike Slick tires which were originally developed in the World Superbike series. For 2018 a new front-tire option has been introduced, with a specification which sits in between the existing SC1 and SC2 options and was the most widely used option in the 2017 World Superbike series. The tire uses the same compound as the softer SC1 but utilizes a different structure to improve stability under heavy braking. Utilised in pre-season testing, it has been well received by riders.
For inclement weather the full Rain and Wet (for mixed conditions) tires give riders a full range of options- with some races witnessing every single combination of front and rear selection, making for exciting strategies throughout the race.
For the ‘treaded’ tire production classes, the renowned Pirelli DIABLO™ Supercorsa SC will equip riders of British Supersport Championship, Pirelli National Superstock 1000 and 600 classes, Ducati TriOptions Cup and the exciting new Junior Supersport category. These tires are also popular with Club and National level racers alongside trackday riders of all abilities.
In the ‘open tire’ British Motostar (Moto3) series, Pirelli will be looking to make it three consecutive titles as the talented young riders utilise DIABLO™ Superbike Slick tires on their lightweight, purpose built racing machines.
As the most successful rider in BSB history, Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne will again start as title favourite on his Be Wiser Ducati, however he will face a fired up Leon Haslam who will be looking to make amends for 2017, on his JG Speedfit Kawasaki. Equally as competitive will
be Australian Josh Brookes, who switches to the factory backed McAMS Yamaha team for 2017 after narrowly missing out on the 2018 title by just three points.
However with 27 riders lining up on the grid, and nearly 50% of whom have won BSB races, the trio will not have it easy with different names able to challenge for podiums each weekend. Alongside the established stars, the 2018 line-up see six fast rookies’ lining up on the grid; Sylvain Barrier, Carl Phillips, Gino Rea, Mason Law, Kyle Ryde and Tarran Mackenzie. Six manufacturers will also be represented, with BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha all set to challenge for honours.
Pirelli UK Racing Manager Jason Griffiths commented, “The scene is set for what has all the ingredients to be a thrilling 2018 British Superbike Championship. The strength in depth of the riders in the Superbike class is incredible and this combined with each manufacturer being well represented, makes for an exciting season ahead. The pace of the riders at the Official Test held at Donington last week in what were far from ideal conditions was very impressive. The introduction of the additional option of front slick tire will create extra interest for us at Pirelli to see how it performs in the UK conditions. No doubt the weather will play a part this weekend but hopefully we’ll get a dry track for the racing at what is also the beginning of the next chapter in the history of the Donington Park circuit.”
2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship Schedule
March 31-April: Donington Park GP
April 13-15: Brands Hatch (Indy)
May 5-7: Oulton Park
June 15-17: Snetterton
July 6-8: Knockhill
July 20-22: Brands Hatch GP
August 3-5: Thruxton
August 17-19: Cadwell Park
September 7-9: Silverstone GP
September 14-16: Oulton Park
September 28-30: Assen
October 12-14: Brands Hatch GP