Dunlop open to new Gen3 Supercars tyre

Supercars debuted its new technical platform in Newcastle final weekend with a full area of low-downforce Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros doing door-to-door battle for the primary time.

It was subsequently the primary correct take a look at for the raceability of the brand new rules, with the lower in downforce focused particularly at eliminating points with soiled air.

Creeping downforce ranges on the previous-generation automobiles made it arduous to observe with out overheating the entrance tyres.

Nevertheless whereas there may be now much less soiled air, driver suggestions from Newcastle indicated that the drop in downforce has led to its personal tyre overheating points as a result of automobiles transferring round extra.

That is left a query mark over any improved raceability of the brand new platform.

Because it stands Supercars is continuous with the identical suite of Dunlop management tyres for its dry climate working with an equivalent tremendous tender, tender and arduous tyre as to what was used for Gen3.

The one main change is a brand new, extra aggressive moist tyre.

That might change sooner or later, although, with Dunlop’s Supercars boss Kevin Fitzsimmons open to creating new compounds if that is what the class wants.

“We have to get some extra races below out belt after which sit again and have a critical take a look at it, regardless of the case could also be,” mentioned Fitzsimmons.

“In the intervening time, the best way we did the event with the [Gen3] prototypes, it was vital to get techniques checks and the automobiles developed, versus distracting that programme with attempting to develop a tyre as effectively, and complicated the state of affairs.

“You go along with a recognized amount after which we’ll make changes as we transfer ahead.

“It is not as simple factor. These automobiles are nonetheless huge and heavy and have a lot of horsepower. Now that they transfer round a bit extra that generates heats.

“It is a studying course of for everyone, proper throughout the class. We have simply bought to continue learning. At the least for a couple of races with several types of circuits. The [Australian GP] will likely be completely different once more, quick and flowing. Then we go to Perth and [Tasmania], completely completely different once more. Huge brake hundreds in Tassie and Perth is principally a high-speed circuit.

“By the point we get to Perth I am right down to the final two race conferences price of manufacturing. We will begin a growth course of if that is the trail [Supercars wants] to go down.

“We’ll wait and see. It is a work in course of.”

For the primary time this 12 months Supercars will use the tender compound rubber for the Bathurst 1000, which has historically taken place on arduous tyres.

That is because of a prediction of decrease loading throughout the highest of Mount Panorama as a result of drop in downforce.

When requested if Dunlop remains to be assured in that call having now seen the tender compound in aggressive motion, Fitzsimmons mentioned: “Yeah, the development is identical between the tender and the arduous. At 200 km/h there may be nonetheless vital drop in downforce, so the general vertical load on the automobile will likely be much less.

“If we went to the arduous tyre and we had a very cool day and everyone’s automobile is an understeering canine, that will not be factor. If the tyres are a problem and we offer the grip, it should convey much more technique into it. Do you roll the cube and do and further cease or regardless of the case could also be?

“It may throw curveballs for everyone. However so far as the compound goes, I am superb with it.”