SSP – Riders must do a pit stop to change tire in Phillip Island

Bruno Gomes

February 21, 2019

Photo credits: WorldSBK

In the last minute decision before the World Supersport 600 championship starts this Friday in Phillip Island, Australia, the World Superbike organizers, together with Dornam the FIM and Pirelli, have decided to introduce a mandatory pit stop to change the rear tire on the Supersport 600 class.

This decision comes after the results and analysis of the tests done a few days ago at the Australian circuit, with Pirelli saying that the rear tire, the Supercorsa SC, a tire homologated for road use, isn’t able to cope with the wear caused by the highly abrasive asphalt of Phillip Island.

The rubber compound on these tires is a lot different than the slick tires used in the Superbike class, the Diablo Superbike, and Pirelli noticed that the rear tire wouldn’t last the entire Supersport 600 race on Sunday. So, the decision was taken today, and for safety reasons, World Superbike organizers have decided to introduce a mandatory pit stop in the Supersport class, and riders will need to stop to change the rear tire before lap 10.

Besides this decision, the Supersport 600 race has also fewer laps this year, passing from the original 18 laps to 16 laps.

This mandatory pit stop to change tire won’t be used in the Superbike class.

Follow iMotorbike to get all the latest news and results on the first round of the 2019 World Superbike season, from this Friday until next Sunday.