Dunlop – Moto2, Misano Preview

Dunlop heads to Italy for the second time this season for the San Marino Grand Prix, the twelfth round of the 2011 Moto2 Championship, held on September 2-4 at the Misano Adriático circuit.

A smooth circuit surface allied to a twisty layout over its 4.226km clockwise duration with likely high ambient and track temperatures give Misano its own distinct flavour.
Misano returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2007 after being a previous regular as the venue of Italian Grand Prix throughout the 1980s and early 90s.

Dunlop will bring the front tyre allocation of the 717 hard compound which has been used at all rounds so far this year. The other front compound is the 302 medium. This offers a similar level of grip to the 753 medium which it replaced from the Sachsenring onwards – but with added stability.
For the rear, the ATR05 3854 and 3868 compounds will be brought.

“Misano is a fantastic circuit in a superb location and it is always a pleasure to visit Italy,” explains Dunlop Motorsport’s Moto2 co-ordinator, Clinton Howe.
“That said, last year’s race proved to be something of a difficult one due to the cooler than expected weather conditions.
“These cool conditions tested tyre durability to the limit as we allocated the 6757 rear, which was our high ambient tyre – we chose this as generally very high temperatures are what you expect from Misano.
“Despite not being the ideal allocation, the 6757 proved to be durable be durable enough to be the race winning tyre, so this was a good lesson in tyre performance and management, and grip levels were never an issue.
“Last year was also the first time we introduced the 753 front which has been a well received tyre, but the 302 builds on it with a similar level of grip, but added stability. “
“On the rear, the 6757 will be replaced for this year’s race with the ATR05 3854, which we believe has a wider working range of temperatures but now also has the ATR05 construction for improved edge grip. The 6868 medium compound will be brought again but in 3 series specification (3868) which offers faster heat up time.”

The San Marino round of the Moto2 world championship at Misano starts with practice on Friday 2 September, followed by qualifying on Saturday and then the race at 12:15 local time on Sunday 4 September.

Source: Dunlop Motorsport