PIRELLI INCREASES SOLE TYRE COMMITMENT TO THE BRITISH
SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Pirelli will increase its substantial commitment to the 2009 British Superbike Championship (BSB) as the manufacturer approaches a second year as sole tyre supplier for both Superbike and Supersport classes.
BSB race teams will now be offered an extra rear compound as part of Pirelli’s massive 6,000 tyre per event commitment at each of the twelve Championship rounds. Pirelli’s 17 race staff will now offer four Superbike compounds and three for Supersport, plus Wet and Intermediate selections.
Pirelli became sole tyre supplier for the two main classes in BSB in 2008 for a three-year deal, and immediately made an impressive impact on performance. The on-track results emphasised the quality of Pirelli’s mass production control tyre, and the brand has been credited with levelling the once elite supply hierarchy by giving all riders and teams a fighting chance in the ultra-competitive BSB series.
In 2008 Pirelli benefited from the data and development work carried out previously in BSB and from the World Superbike Championship, where it has been the sole tyre supplier since 2003 and has recently been re-signed until 2012.
The 2008 British Superbike Champion, Shane Byrne, will move into World Superbikes in 2009 where he will have two important constants; a factory Ducati and Pirelli tyres, which gave him so much feedback and confidence in his victorious season.
Jason Griffiths, Racing Manager at Pirelli commente , "We learnt a lot in 2008 with a major logistical presence in BSB and a very high benchmark to hit at what is unquestionably the most competitive domestic race series in the world. Our team also know the way all the race-squads work now and so we can really hit the ground running.”
Colin Wright, Team Manager at Airwaves Yamaha, "We were really interested to see how Pirelli would step up to supplying the whole grid. Also as a team that previously had a direct tyre contract, we were keen to ensure we would still receive a personal service. I can honestly say we were impressed in the consistency and performance of the tyres. They have also helped to make the whole series a more level playing field, which has got to be good for the fans."
- Ends-
