MotoGP’s spec-tyre supplier Bridgestone will have a new hard compound front available at this weekend’s Sepang round in order to combat high track temperatures.

The firm says this new development offers the same excellent braking stability and durability of the previous hard compound front slick, but with better cornering and warm-up performance. The existing medium will also be available.

“Front tyre stability is crucial under braking, especially at the end of the two fast straights, and the high speed corners demand good shoulder grip and durability. This weekend marks the debut of our new hard compound front slick and given how important good front-end feel and stability is at this circuit, this new development should be a boost to riders this weekend,” said Shinji Aoki, tyre development manager.

“Tyre durability and a good bike setup are crucial here as the high ambient and track temperatures mean that there is little cooling effect on the tyres. The track surface at Sepang has degraded significantly over the years, so it’s important that the teams find a setup that makes best use of the tyres and in this regard, having the winter tests here is important.”