V8 Supercars’ Holden Car of the Future prototype will take to Phillip Island on Thursday for a tyre test ahead of the penultimate event of the season at the venue later this month.
The category is describing the test as a precaution following the tyre issues that befell the MotoGP World Championship in October at the Grand Prix course, which was resurfaced last summer.
MotoGP organisers were forced to introduce a compulsory mid-race bike change in order to combat the ‘extreme’ tyre temperatures being recorded.
Although Dunlop is understood to be unconcerned that any such problems will translate, V8 Supercars has ordered the test to take place on Thursday.
Walkinshaw Racing’s Nick Percat will squeeze into the V8 Supercars-owned Holden for the day, where he’ll simulate the 60km and 100km race lengths that will be used for the event.
Although receiving a recent freshen up for Xbox/Top Gear filming purposes in the hands of Skaife Racing, the car is likely to be significantly slower than those fielded by the teams themselves on account of its prototype specification.
On the request of V8 Supercars, Dunlop is making no comment on the test. The category’s general manager of motorsport, Damien White, meanwhile stressed that the running is only a precaution.
“Dunlop remains confident, yet we would be unwise to head into a championship event without having done this validation,” he said.
“If an anomaly presents itself it allows for the opportunity to consider the options in advance.”
The addition of compulsory pitstops for tyre changes would be the most likely option should any issues arise.
