Pirelli attains 12 motorcycle world records

Misano Adriatico, 17 June, 2000 - Pirelli has established 12 new motorcycle world speed records on the prototype test track at Nard, in the province of Lecce, Italy.

All were set up in a 24 hour period on 3 and 4 June by a team of five riders from the Pirelli Motorcycle Test Centre, the centre's director Salvo Pennisi, Pirelli's manager of research and basic technology Piero Misani, test rider Pio Braccini and journalist Franco Rossi.

The attempt was successfully made on the two different record categories - the 750 cc and the 1300 cc - with a Suzuki GSXR 750R and a Suzuki Hayabusa 1300, prepared by Roberto Papetti of Robby Moto Engineering.

For all records, the team used technologically advanced materials and instruments. From fibres derived from aerospace which, together with a continuous spiral steel belt, is the basis of the Pirelli Dragon Evo, the tyre on which the records were established to Dainese T-AGE riding suits, which enabled experts to continuously monitor the riders' physical condition. To obtain sporting results of this callibre it is necessary to constantly check the motorcycles and tyres with sophisticated equipment, but it is also important to optimise the physical strength of the rider to save precious time in setting up long distance records.

Ten new world records were established with the Suzuki Hayabusa 1300, one being the flying start kilometre during which the bike recorded an all-time best performance over that distance. Salvo Pennisi, a veteran of such challenges and already a record holder, set up this record with 306.598 km/h, as well as the standing start kilometre, the standing start 10 kilometres and the 100 kilometres. Pio Braccini, also an expert record man, established the flying start mile time. Franco Rossi brought the attempt to a close with a record for the standing start mile. All three, together with Piero Misani, Alessandro Abate, Michele Corallini, Antonino Picciotto and brothers Rosario and Salvatore Scandurra established the long distance records.

The six hour, 1000 kilometres and 12 hours severely tested the men and machines. Only the ability and preparation of the service team provided by Pirelli enabled the establishment of the records, which required 36 rider changes, 35 refuelling and oil check stops in collaboration with Motul, and the four tyre changes.