WorldSBK, hot brakes at Donington Park

The Donington Park circuit appears to involve some particularly hard braking. Despite a significant mixed section, the SBK riders need to consider various aspects, as we can see from Brembo data relating to the English track.

The Italian firm provides some interesting figures: the 4025-metre track involves 8 braking points, for a total braking time equal to 33% of the total. The greatest deceleration comes when heading into Turns 1, 9 and 11. And let’s not forget that the track is also undulating, making for significant load transfer.

From a maximum speed of 270 km/h, a rider slows to 98 at Turn 9, which comes right after a jump resulting from a hump. This is also the case at other points, with a maximum load on the front brake lever coming at the end of the start/finish straight prior to Turn 1.

Be careful of temperatures

Although it’s never as hot in Derby as it might be in Aragon or Sepang for example, riders and technicians still need to consider various aspects. Considering that the sequence of turns from 7 to 12 involves significant braking, the systems will feel this, as Brembo explains.

In fact, as outlined in the tables provided by the manufacturer, there could be overheating problems. The fact that a rider has to brake repeatedly means that the bike does not have time to reduce its running temperature, which remains high for at least half the lap.

So the fourth championship round could see teams focusing on this aspect. Riders who are able to effectively manage the systems, as well as their right wrist, may make a difference overall. Without forgetting corner speed of course.

Translated by Heather Watson

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