Bridgestone expands MotoGP tyre line-up
Bridgestone has introduced two new tyre markings for the 2015 MotoGP season, its last year before withdrawing as exclusive tyre supplier.
Alongside the four coloured markings seen last year - green (extra-soft), white (soft), black (medium) and red (hard) - there will be a new extra-hard compound rear slick (yellow) that will debut in Argentina, plus a new light blue marking for the asymmetric front slick introduced in the closing stages of 2014.
The complete list of coloured slick tyre markings for the 2015 MotoGP season is:
Same as 2014:
? Extra-soft compound: Green
? Soft compound: White
? Medium compound: Black (no stripe)
? Hard compound: Red
Additional colours for 2015:
? Extra-hard compound (rear only): Yellow
? Asymmetric front slick: Light blue
The Open class - plus Ducati, Suzuki and Aprilia riders - will again be allocated rear tyres one grade softer than the factory class Honda and Yamaha riders. So if Bridgestone offers Hard and Medium for the Hondas and Yamahas, the Open class will get Soft and Medium. Front tyre choice is the same for all.
As per last season, two options of wet tyre will be offered at each round, the plain, black tyre denoting the harder option and a white stripe the softer option.
"The coloured tyre marking scheme we implemented last year was designed to make it easier for fans to see which tyre options we deliver at each race, and we've listened to the feedback from both MotoGP fans and media around the world to improve this system for this year," said Bridgestone Motorsport manager Hiroshi Yamada.
"This revised tyre marking system not only reflects Bridgestone's commitment to continue developing new tyres through the 2015 MotoGP season by offering more options to riders, but also helps increase the appeal of the sport by helping fans more clearly understand the importance of tyre strategy during the race weekend."
The new MotoGP season starts in Qatar next weekend.
Michelin will take over as MotoGP's exclusive tyre supplier from 2016.
