05-08-2016, 10:19 AM
(05-08-2016, 08:50 AM)EmptySea_imp Wrote: So, that begs the question: why was Rossi's choice better than that of the other two?Couldn't watch the whole video again but when I do I'll try to confirm Rossi's tire choice. Think it was medium/soft.
The hard front just does not give the grip; as we know the hard compound will theoretically last longer and give better grip at the end of the race but not as much at the beginning. As rubber wears away the tread becomes lighter and the temperature goes up, gives the rider an edge IF he rides a certain way the first half or 2/3 of the race. A difference of even 0.2 to 0.3 seconds a lap over a period of laps will result in different wear so if the rider doesn't ride hard enough, and the crew has not set the pressure exactly right, that tire will not perform as expected and will let go more suddenly. Especially true early in the race.
The medium or soft front choice will give better grip out of the gate, if a rider expects to need to be aggressive, but won't last as well. So the strategy is, get on it, get aggressive, pass who you need to pass, and then settle in, ease off a bit after finding the position you can hold.
Rossi cut the fastest lap of the race on his setup, faster than Lorenzo, and then was able to ease off and have some margin. He was under the gun until Marquez and Dovizioso were out.