Pirelli debuts at Moto2 and Moto3 races
Lusail International Circuit in Qatar in the spotlight
In a thrilling kick-off to the 75th season of the premier motorcycle racing series, Pirelli has made its racing debut as the official and exclusive supplier of tyres for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike slick and DIABLO Rain wet tyres were offered for both classes, adhering to their philosophy of using standard tyres available for all motorcyclists rather than prototypes. This move aligns with the tagline, ‘We sell what we race, we race what we sell.’
The Lusail International Circuit, notorious for its challenges, posed a unique set of tests for Pirelli’s tyres. The new asphalt laid in 2023, coupled with the desert’s sand potentially on the track, demanded optimal performance from the tyres throughout the weekend.
Giorgio Barbier-Inglese, Pirelli’s Motorcycle Racing Director, expressed excitement about the debut in Qatar, saying: “Lusail is a circuit that we know well because we raced there with both the Superbike World Championship and Formula 1. The sand, temperature changes, and the new surface built in 2023 present significant challenges for tyre wear and pressure management.”
Demanding conditions
The riders faced demanding conditions due to the sand often deposited on the track by the wind, leading to slippery asphalt, graining, and thermal degradation.
To tackle this, riders were encouraged to take curves with constant radii in the first sessions to manage tyre wear better. Pirelli also introduced a rear development solution specifically for Moto3 riders, offering enhanced wear protection.
Regarding tyre allocation for the 2024 season, standard DIABLO Superbike slick tyres in various compounds will be provided for both classes, along with DIABLO Rain wet solutions.
Moto3 riders at the Qatar Grand Prix received a development rear compound in C1096 specification, a more complex solution for potential increased asphalt severity.
The Lusail Circuit, known for its aggressive new asphalt and challenging curbs, presents an additional hurdle with desert sand settling on the track, making tyre evolution crucial. The fluctuating asphalt temperatures and the specific pyramid-shaped curbs posed challenges riders had to navigate during the Moto2 and Moto3 races.
As Pirelli embraced its debut in Moto2 and Moto3 under the dazzling lights of Qatar, the tyre manufacturer remained optimistic about a successful season, relying on positive feedback from tests conducted in Valencia and Jerez.
The Qatar Grand Prix saw intense racing action as Pirelli’s tyres conquered the challenges Lusail’s unique features pose.
Featured image: Pirelli tyres’ 2024 standard allocation for the Moto2-Moto3 races. Credit: Pirelli
