Van Gisbergen happy to tread familiar ground
SUPERCARS star Shane van Gisbergen has declared the move back to a 2016-like tyre will help keep drivers safe.
The one-time champion watched on in horror as fellow Kiwi racer Scott McLaughlin helplessly ploughed into a barrier at high speed during the series-wide test day at Sydney Motorsport Park last Friday.
McLaughlin had been on the 2017-specification rubber when it suddenly blew out in a throwback to the Phillip Island round in April that was marred by several tyre failures.
He emerged unscathed but the incident added to van Gisbergen’s keenness to bid farewell to the maligned tyre.
“We still did some running on the old tyres (at the test) but that was very limited due to not wanting any risks and unfortunately we saw an accident with Scotty, which was a real shame,” he said.
“That’s really the reason we are off these tyres. Everyone has got the same tyres and the same problems but it’s good that we are back on a known quantity that is safe.”
Asked why the 2016 version outpointed its successor, van Gisbergen referred to their “self-limiting” qualities when it comes to teams applying camber and tyre pressure to maximise speed.
“They are self-limiting whereas last year’s tyre you could push the limits and it would go faster and faster,” he said. “This one gives you a good indication where the limit is. From that side of things I think it is better.”
The Supercars season opens in Adelaide next week.
– CONNOR O’BRIEN