Bridgestone MotoGP race preview: Sachsenring, Germany

The Sachsenring is one of the most extreme circuits for tyres owing to its abrasive tarmac and long sequence of left-hand turns and its unique layout has produced many thrilling contests since being included on the Grand Prix calendar in 1998.
 
With ten left-hand turns compared to just three right-handers, the Sachsenring is extremely punishing on the left shoulder of the tyres and the nature of the tarmac can cause high levels of abrasion so the extra-hard front slick option makes its first appearance since the season opener at Qatar.
 
The imbalance in number of left and right-hand turns at the Sachsenring means asymmetric rear slicks are provided in the medium and hard compound options. However, because of the extreme difference in temperature generated on the shoulders of the tyres - due, in particular, to the sequence of interlinked left-hand corners from turns six to ten - the variance in compound hardness between the left and right shoulders of the rear slicks is one of the largest on the calendar.
 
Additionally, due to the severity of this track for tyres, Sachsenring, along with Phillip Island is one of only two circuits on the calendar that requires the provision of special construction rear slicks that are specifically developed to cope with the generation of exceptionally high tyre temperatures.
 
Hiroshi Yamada - Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department
 “The German Grand Prix is a standout on the calendar both because of its anti-clockwise layout with many left-hand turns and also the large number of close races we have enjoyed here over the years. It is also a significant event for Bridgestone as Germany is a very important market for us and it pleases me very much that the local fans will yet again have a home-grown hero in Stefan Bradl to cheer on during the race.
 
“As we approach the halfway mark of the season Casey and Jorge are tied in the championship standings so the next couple of races will be hard fought as they both try to gain the upper hand, while Dani won the race here last year and has a good record at the circuit so I expect him to be very strong this weekend.”