| Compared to the standard SC1, the E1164 development front features a brand‑new structure and compound. The new Pirelli‑equipped Sportbike category also makes its debut on the Portuguese circuit | |
| · New front option. At Portimão, the first European round of the FIM Superbike World Championship after the traditional season opener in Australia, Pirelli will provide Superbike riders with a brand‑new front tyre. This new soft tyre is designated the E1164 which, compared to the standard SC1, features a new structure and compound. This development specification, making its debut, will join the other two standard solutions – the soft SC1 and the medium SC2, both available for sale on the market. · SCX instead of SCQ. As in previous years, Pirelli has again decided that for the Portimão round the rear supersoft SCX – known until last season under the development specification E0126 – will take on the role normally reserved for the extrasoft SCQ – ie to be used exclusively in free practice, qualifying, and the Superpole Race. This decision is due to the fact that the Portuguese circuit is quite demanding on tyres, offering low grip that leads to wheelspin and exposes the rear tyres — particularly within the right shoulder — to frequent and significant thermal variation. In addition, the undulating layout forces riders into heavy braking, often downhill, increasing stress on the front tyres. For the rear in the long races, riders will be able to choose between the soft SC0 – last year’s race tyre, previously known under the development specification E0125 – and the medium SC1. which until last season carried the D0286 development code and has now been promoted to the new standard medium option. · Sportbike makes its debut. The new FIM Sportbike World Championship also makes its debut on the Portuguese circuit. This category replaces the Supersport300 class and features six manufacturers with bikes that differ markedly in terms of engine configuration and power. What they have in common will be the same tyres for everyone: Pirelli DIABLO Superbike SC1 compound for both front and rear, in sizes 120/70 front and 180/60 rear — the same already used in the FIM World WRC Championship which is now entering its third season. At Portimão, focus on the front tyre development |
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