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Even if the Superbike World Championship is now close to an end, Pirelli continues its development work. In the premier class, in case of rain, the riders will have the chance to try a new rear DIABLO™ Rain solution which is completely new and different from the standard one in terms of tread pattern design, structure and compound. In Supersport the novelty is the rear solution U0775, a development of the standard SC1 which should ensure a more consistent behaviour.

Magny-Cours is a fascinating track that covers a hilly area and that, precisely because of its layout, makes it very difficult to overtake. It is characterised by sudden deceleration and starts, interspersed with medium length straights. It also features a hairpin (Adelaide) with one of the heaviest braking points present among the international circuits, which riders arrive at from quite a fast straight.

With regard to the quality of the asphalt, it is very smooth and almost free of irregularities, for this reason it does not create particular problems to the tyres except in the presence of heavy braking zones on steep gradients. In that case the front tyres, especially in soft compound, can be stressed, while those in hard compound featuring improved support in corner entry are therefore usually preferred.

One aspect not closely related to the layout of the circuit but which can still affect the race is related to the weather; in this area of France and time of the year can be quite unpredictable. This can make more difficult the choice of the rear tyres. That’s why, in addition to rear solutions in soft compound Pirelli also brings solutions in SC1 compound. If, in fact, when weather conditions are stable and there are sufficiently high temperatures, a rear SC0 tyre would be the choice advisable to allow a level of optimum grip, With lower temperatures or with a wet surface it is good to resort to solutions more protected as the SC1 so as to obtain a good compromise between grip and resistance to tearing. And if it rains, Pirelli always has available intermediate and wet tyres and a new rear tyre for full rain conditions.

The different compounds brought by Pirelli for the French Round

At Magny-Cours Pirelli brings a total of 4508 tyres to meet the needs of all riders of the different classes that are part of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship.

As regards the Superbike class, each rider will have 72 tyres, 35 front and 37 rear- including slick, intermediate and wet solutions. In addition, only those riders who will enter the Superpole on Saturday will receive a rear supersoft qualifier tyre.

To the front there are three slick solutions, two SC1 and one in SC2 compound. The first SC1 is the T1616, which debuted at Jerez but the riders were able to try it during the tests at Portimão in June. This solution, compared to the standard SC1, should further improve stability by limiting any phenomena of movement at high temperatures. The second SC1 solution available is the S1699 which debuted successfully at Aragón in 2014. It offers more support in the approach to bends in favour of a better steering precision and was the most widely used at the front during 2014. This development solution this year was brought to all rounds.

The last option for the front is the standard SC2, optimal for high temperatures because it guarantees stability to the tread. This solution is that preferred by the aggressive riders and those who prefer the compactness of the tread band.

At the rear two solutions in soft SC0 compound and one SC1. The standard SC0, is the soft solution ideal for tackling smooth asphalt and high temperatures. It offers maximum tread contact on smooth asphalt and maximum traction at high temperatures as well as higher resistance to thermal performance decay. It was brought for the first time to Thailand and was present also in Aragón, Assen, Imola, Donington, Portimão, Laguna Seca, Sepang and Jerez. As an alternative to the standard one the riders will use the T0611, a development solution in SC0 compound which debuted in Imola and has been brought also to Portimão, Misano, Laguna Seca and Sepang. It features a very soft compound that can offer a very high level of grip when used in high temperatures.

The last solution available is the SC1 T1392, which successfully debuted this year at Aragón and was then brought to Assen, Imola, Donington, Portimão and Misano. It differs from the standard SC1 for a different construction system that guarantees a more consistent and constant behavior for the whole duration of the race.