[Vol.2] Sustainable Materials Racing Tires Development Report / Suzuka Circuit

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• [Vol.2] Sustainable Materials Racing Tires Development Report / Suzuka Circuit

Following the previous tests at Fuji, and immediately after the end of the SF Rd3, more racing tires development tests using sustainable raw materials were conducted at Suzuka Circuit on 25 and 26 April.

■The main purpose of these tests was to further evaluate the specifications confirmed in the Fuji test, at a circuit with different characteristics, in this case, Suzuka Circuit.

■Four types of test tires with a structure of 24% to 27% renewable raw material ratio and four types of compounds with a compound of 26% to 29% sustainable raw material ratio were brought in for comparison tests with the current specifications used in the Super Formula races this 2022 season.

■The unstable weather conditions resulted in an unavoidable change in the initial test plan prepared in advance just before the race. And although the number of specifications actually tested had to be reduced, nonetheless, the tests provided a good understanding of the characteristics of each specification this time in a new environment and which had been previously tested at Fuji. The tested items were duly prioritized and the necessary data was successfully acquired.

■Partly due to the highly technical high-speed corners, the Suzuka circuit has proved to be one of the most demanding circuits in Japan, especially for tires. The most positive outcome of these tests was that we were able to confirm the new aerodynamics’ matching and durability of the tires in particular during long runs, on this highly demanding racing course.

■Although the weather forecast suggested the opportunity for wet tire testing, the actual conditions were in fact not suitable and therefore further tests had to be carried over to the next round.

■The next tire test opportunity is now planned for the next SUPER FORMULA round to be held at the Autopolis circuit, where, based on the latest test results, several new compounds, and tire construction combinations shall be tested.