Tuesday, June 7, 2011

HRC Stoner blames Formula One for falling grip levels

Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner has fired a shot at Formula One, saying the Pirelli rubber they are using this year have caused grip levels to fall at the Barcelona track.

F1 used Montmelo over the weekend of May 22 and is also a designated test track for the series. Pirelli replaced Bridgestone as the control tyre manufacturer in 2011 and Stoner believes the rubber is making things hard for bikes.

"Pirelli tyres have been putting down too much rubber, they obviously dont keep it on the tyres and it has to go somewhere. I think it mixes in all the cracks in the tarmac - everywhere Formula One has been is really slippery," said the Aussie.

"Here, on the corners they don't use, it is ok but when they are driving and putting down the rubber it is quite bad. When our tyre temperature isn't coming up high because the track temperature isn't high enough then there's no feeling and it's quite easy to go down."

Stoner's views on the lack of adhesion were echoed by Marlboro Ducati's Nicky. Both riders are ex-dirt trackers and should be the least worried by grip levels and the rear spinning up.

"I didn't have traction but as soon as the tyre went off and it started spinning, I went backwards. I used up a lot of tyre and a lot of fuel. The track didn't seem the same. Last year, it was hot and greasy, pole was a lot faster last year. I would say the laps were better last year too," said the American.   www.bikesportnews.com

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