The Grand Prix of Argentina marks Pirelli’s debut as the official tyre supplier for Moto2 and Moto3. The event returns after a two-year absence due to COVID-19. Pirelli offers standard tyre compounds to meet the demands of the challenging Termas de Río Hondo circuit, known for its aggressive tarmac and low grip. Pirelli’s strategy considers past performance and riders’ feedback, ensuring reliability during the race.
The Grand Prix of Argentina is poised to be an exhilarating event, marked by Pirelli’s inaugural participation as the official tyre supplier for Moto2 and Moto3. This year, the Autódromo de Termas de Río Hondo will host its ninth MotoGP event, after being absent for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent hiatus last season.
Pirelli will debut its tyres at this Argentine circuit in 2024, having opted for a basic allocation of standard compounds, which are coincidentally available for retail purchase. Each rider will receive up to eight tyres per slick solution, allowing for flexibility in compound selection over the race weekend. This approach aims to ensure a degree of familiarity and reliability for the competitors.
The track itself is noted for its rough, aggressive tarmac and relatively low grip levels, which pose significant challenges to the tyres, especially with the anticipated high air and asphalt temperatures typical of the region in April.
Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, discussed the challenges of making their debut at this new venue. He remarked, “Pirelli has never raced at Termas de Río Hondo… so it is an absolute debut for us.” Barbier also stated that the tyre allocation was influenced by prior feedback from teams, reflecting Pirelli’s comprehensive insight into tyre performance under similar track conditions.
He further commented on the unpredictability of race conditions, expressing concerns about what track conditions may exist due to the absence of racing at the circuit for two years. Barbier affirmed their strategy to use standard compounds, which previously yielded remarkable results on a range of circuits, providing the necessary versatility to tackle the unique demands of Termas de Río Hondo.
Pirelli’s debut at the Grand Prix of Argentina introduces a new chapter for both Moto2 and Moto3. With a focus on standard tyre compounds and careful consideration of track conditions, Pirelli aims to meet the unique challenges presented by the Termas de Río Hondo circuit. As the event unfolds, the performance of Pirelli’s tyres will be pivotal in determining the success of the riders and teams during this demanding race weekend.
Original Source: news.imotorbike.com
