Pirelli SBK Track Days, Superbike on the weekend, riders on Monday

The initiative is known to the world of enthusiasts: Pirelli allows you to experience your passion for two wheels with two dates on the calendar, Imola and Misano (9 July), on the Mondays immediately following the weekends of the world championship races. The only prerequisite, given the patronage of the Milanese company, is the use of tires from its range, both track (Diablo Superbike and Diablo Supercorsa SC) and road (first of all the Diablo Supercorsa SP we use, but also Diablo Supercorsa BSB, Diablo Rosso Corsa, Diablo Rosso III and the brand new Diablo Rosso Corsa II).

We had already stopped there two years ago, in Imola, but on a Monday in which the rain had made everything a little "different" from what one might expect from a track day on a motorbike. The opportunity, however, was a tempting one, to test the electronics of motorbikes to the limit, which are increasingly full of sensors which also increase active safety (here you will find our feedback after riding a BMW S1000RR on a wet track),
but above all we had discovered the "magic" of the "rain" tires used in the WSBK world championship, the Pirelli Diablo Rain, which allow you to ride almost like on dry surfaces, with incredible and unthinkable lean angles before trying them live (if you don't believe me look at the photos during our test, in this article). This time we had better luck, meteorologically speaking, since our arrival during the race weekend. In fact, we would like to remind you that Pirelli offers, in addition to a package linked only to the sessions on the track on Monday, two other formulas, which include a pass to access the track and enjoy the entire programme, starting from the first tests on Friday. Sunday, in particular, can thus become the appetizer for the day on the track which will take place on Monday. Yes, because in addition to watching the race cheering on your favorite drivers, you start to observe every detail, the trajectories, the braking points and more, with the eye of someone who has to learn and put it into practice.

Wake up early, but with a smile

Monday starts early, because in Imola the day's program is tight and the first of the 4 scheduled briefings is scheduled a few minutes after 8, to get on the bike at 9. In fact, there are 5 shifts scheduled, with just under 2 hour break for lunch. One of the peculiarities and advantages, compared to "autonomous" riding on the track, is that track engineers and other technical partners are present at the Pirelli Track Days, who are available to give valuable advice on tires and the bike's set-up. . In addition to this, the motorbikes are checked beforehand and, before having a clear track in front of them and starting to compare themselves with the chronograph, or simply enjoy their sports motorbike in a magnificent context, they cover approximately 2 laps behind trailblazing instructors, who they help to have the first references on the trajectories and, above all, on the conditions of the asphalt of the track.

The bikers are divided into 4 categories, based on their level and the motorbikes are obligatorily equipped with a transponder, thanks to which, after the first rounds and based on the times recorded, the groups are optimised, to avoid that there are people with too marked differences, which makes driving on the track potentially more dangerous. The number of participants in the single group is deliberately kept below the limit imposed for that route, which makes the experience safer and indirectly more pleasant. One of the pluses of the Pirelli Track Days is the use of world-class tracks, the same as the races that have just taken place, which allow you to better enjoy the performance of the motorbikes you are riding, but also to take curves that have the history of motor sports. Something of a different level than a track a couple of kilometers long, which you often end up using with your own motorbikes. Misano reaches an altitude of 4.2 km (with 15 curves), Imola even 4.9, with 17 curves, mostly to the left, given that you turn anti-clockwise, with breathtaking ups and downs and blind curves, which in some cases begin to take shape , just without seeing the curve that you will go through. Very technical, it is one of the most beautiful tracks in the world, for many, certainly a piece of history, which increases the emotion every time you have the opportunity to ride it.

Suzuki GSX-R1000R

The companion of our day on the track, thanks to Suzuki Italia and the collaboration of Trioschi Moto of Lugo (Ravenna), was a Suzuki GSX-R1000R in this new white color, which we had the opportunity to talk about in a dedicated article (at this link).

Passengers for a ride with the legendary Dario Marchetti

Before lunch a little surprise awaits us. Always with a suit and helmet on his head, but this time he doesn't drive. This is done by Dario Marchetti, a former rider (he also raced the 500 2-stroke in some World Championship races), now a test rider for Ducati. Precisely with a Panigale 1299 equipped with a "handle" on the tank and configured for the purpose, Dario and I completed the first laps on the track of our lives, as passengers. An experience worth trying, also interesting to learn some secrets and the best lines for brushing curves perfectly, but it's really quite an effort. There are many stresses, holding on is perhaps easier than our fear of risking losing it. In reality, in many years of this activity, Dario has never "lost" anyone, much less has he ever fallen. He says, with a concept that conveys the idea well, that he drives as if he were in the wet, without being too impetuous and trying to be more fluid.

In the end he rests his knee in the curve, the passenger gets close to it, even if he doesn't have to lean out and move too much, but just follow his movements, while the front one which floats (we had already experienced this also as passengers), is always good fun. A great experience, even more so for those who have never been on a track on a motorbike. It gives them strong emotions "at low cost", given that the motorbike is not needed, but above all they will lap at very respectable times, without knowing how to do it!

The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP

After lunch, the afternoon continues with shifts, with the possibility of riding behind the instructors, following their trajectories and gradually improving. At the end of the day, tiredness begins to make itself felt, also for the rear of the tires we had the opportunity to test, the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, which after intense use (two of us went around with this bike and tyres, therefore doubling the effort compared to the program), they never showed any signs of slowing down or put one of the two testers in difficulty. However, the rear, on the left wing, the most stressed in Imola, is close to the end, with uniform and more than justified wear. The dual-compound composition, however, preserved the central band, which is still in excellent condition, while not having used the tire warmers (they are still recommended, with a temperature of 80° for about 50 minutes) did not create any major problems. In fact, just a few corners are enough to already have the right grip, but even with the cold tire there were no particular signs or behaviors to manage. It is a tire whose structure and compounds are derived precisely from those of the tires used in WSBK, but which thanks to the single groove tread is also approved for road use, without giving up a large slick area for 'use on the track.

Photos and times

Obviously, when you ride on the track, get off the bike and take off your helmet, there are two aspects that are difficult to give up: the photos and the lap times. Thanks to the transponder it is possible to have the detail of the whole day, with the best lap and much more, while to be able to review and share the images of the day, Pirelli relied on Fotoeventi, a photographic agency specialized in sporting events and events linked to the world of engines (Mugello is their usual "home"), which made the first shots available already before lunch. Thanks to a free application (Pica), it is possible to download them from your mobile phone, or from the site, after a quick registration.

There are 3 Pirelli SBK Track Days formulas (Silver, Gold and Platinum), with different prices from date to date, but in any case starting from less than one hundred euros, up to a maximum of just over 250. All of them include the 20 minute shifts on the track, 3 for Misano, 5 for Imola, while the paddock passes for the WSBK race weekend (starting from the Gold package - available for 129 euros for Misano) make the difference, in addition to access at Pirelli Hospitality (which includes lunch on Sunday) which is part of the richest package, the Platinum (199 euros for Misano). Not bad, compared to what was made available, especially also for the very professional organisation, of all the aspects and details that are necessary to best and safely enjoy a day on the track with your "superbikes".

Before leaving there is also space for a souvenir, a personalized t-shirt with the date and the circuit, including the drawing of the track. Finally, we would like to remind you that the Misano date (9 July) will be held in partnership with at least one motorcycle manufacturer, which will make its flagship products available for a test on the track, on the same track where the World Championship champions will have competed a few hours earlier. SBK.

Photo by Fotoeventi.com

Tester clothing:
Leather suit: Spidi Track Wind Pro
Gloves: Spidi Carbo 3
Boot: TCX RT RACE PRO AIR
Helmet: X-Lite X-803 Ultra Carbon