German MotoGP: Rider power forces Bridgestone action

Bridgestone will succumb to rider power and make major changes to its MotoGP tyre supply deal after a spate of cold tyre crashes in 2011.

The entire MotoGP grid apart from Czech Republic rider Karel Abraham attended tonight’s Safety Commission meeting at the Sachsenring in Germany to demand an immediate change to the tyre regulations.

Pramac Ducati rider Loris Capirossi strongly hinted to MCN in Germany tonight that from the Brno race onwards, each rider would have three front and three rear compounds at their disposal. Confirmation of the increased allocation could come tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s 30-lap Sachsenring race.

Capirossi said the concession would be implemented after Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta discussed safety concerns with Bridgestone management in Germany.

The Japanese tyre manufacturer has come under increasing pressure to increase the allocation of two front and rear compound options made available to each rider at a Grand Prix.

The issue came to a head again today after Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa all suffered heavy falls in cold conditions in this morning’s opening free practice.

The main bone of contention is that the Bridgestone tyres don’t reach working temperature quick enough and the compounds available are not soft enough for colder conditions.

Track temperature this morning at the Sachsenring only reached 21 degrees.
The curse of the cold tyre has haunted Bridgestone since the beginning of last season with Rossi and Hiroshi Aoyama both suffering serious injuries in 2010.

Rossi broke his right leg in Mugello and Aoyama his back in Silverstone when both were caught out by a cold tyre.

But the issue has worsened in 2011 with factory Suzuki rider Alvaro Bautista breaking his femur ahead of the opening round in Qatar. Colin Edwards broke his right collarbone in Catalunya and Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team-mate Cal Crutchlow broke his left collarbone preparing for the British Grand Prix.

Capirossi said: “We have spoken a lot about the tyre situation but this is really the first time we have had almost all the riders in the Safety Commission and everybody is a little bit upset with Bridgestone. 

“We said today in the meeting the tyre is unsafe. The problem is the warm-up of this type of tyre and it is really difficult to feel what happens. Carmelo has already done a big meeting with Bridgestone to understand what to do for the future, and something needs to be done soon.

“I think that from Brno something will change, unfortunately it is not possible for Laguna Seca. Bridgestone have to find a solution now, we don’t what to wait until next year.”