P32
WIND
BRIDGESTONE: NOT OUR FAULT
W
hen Jorge Lorenzo started dropping down
the order in the wet French Grand Prix, it
was apparent that something was wrong. It turns
out he had grip issues and the World Champion
hinted after the race that it was tire related.
Not true, says Bridgestone – the spec-tire provider for the MotoGP World Championship.
"It was clear during the race that Jorge [Lorenzo]
had an issue as he couldn't keep the same pace
as the leading group," said Shinji Aoki, the manager of Bridgestone's Motorsport Tire Development Department. "Immediately after the race he
had a debrief session with his tire engineer where
he explained his lack of rear grip. As is always the
case in these situations, his engineer thoroughly
examined Jorge's race tires, which were found to
be in good working condition.
"In addition, I examined the tire myself and personally discussed the matter with the Yamaha engineers and we all agreed that Jorge's lack of rear
grip was not attributable to his tire. We received
many different comments from the riders after the
race on the feeling on the track, even though they
all used the same specification of wet tire and endured the same track conditions. In these low-grip
situations, machine set up is critical as the smallest setting change can have a big effect on performance. In any case it was a shame for Jorge
as he was so strong in morning warm-up and we
all expected a better result from him, but he is a
champion and I know he will be back to his competitive best at the next race."
VIDEO OF
THE WEEK:
Not Everyone Should Ride
This video is proof that riding a
scooter just isn't for everyone.
Jorge Lorenzo
struggled mightily
in the wet French
Grand Prix, but
his issues weren't
tire related,
according to
Bridgestone.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLD & GOOSE
IN
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