Pirelli

Pirelli to supply 17” Diablo to World Superbike Championship in 2013

Pirelli has announced that from 2013, it will replace the current 16.5” tyre in the World Superbike Championship with the larger 17” Diablo Superbike tyres, in a move to better allow it to develop its road-going products in the motorsport arena.

The Italian manufacturer says it “develops its reference product through technologies and advances learned from its highest-level production series, the World Superbike Championship, for which it is the sole supplier.”

Since 2005, Pirelli’s 16.5” Diablo Superbike tyres have been the sole reference rubber in the Superbike World Championship, with the tyre also used in World Endurance, BSB and CIV. Currently, Pirelli supplies 17” race tyres to local Superbike Championships in New Zealand, Holland, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Canada, Malaysia and many other local championships.

Pirelli says that the 17” slick tyre is the optimal response for those seeking top performance without having to modify the chassis or wheels of the motorcycle.

Compared to the 16.5” slick, Pirelli says the 17” tyre offers a thicker tread for better handling and consistency. Its footprint in mid to full lean is approximately 10 per cent wider thanks to a higher profile and a carcass able to endure more side force.

The Superbike World Championship, of which Pirelli remains the sole supplier, returns in 2012 at the Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.

Tags: Diablo Superbike tyres, Miller Motorsports Park, Superbike World Championship