The Z BTO nominated for Rally Australia 2005The cut-off date for registration of the 70 tyres authorised per driver for Rally Australia was September 23rd, that is to say prior to the start of Rally Japan. A maximum of 45 of these 70 tyres may be used during the event.
The Michelin Z BTO tyre
Although the regulations permit a maximum of two types of tread pattern for Rally Australia, Michelin runners have only nominated the celebrated Michelin Z BTO (Braking & Traction Optimisation). It is expected that the medium compound Michelin Z BTO 9 and the hard compound Michelin Z BTO 9+ will be the most frequently used options.
Logistics
Michelin`soverseas kit, which comprises two containers filled with equipment and Group N tyres, left Obihiro for the Australian port of Fremantle the day after the finish of Rally Japan. Another container containing the nominated tyres for Michelin`s partners for Rally Australia left Marseilles, France, on September 24th.
Two formats
Although the 2005 Rally Australia visits familiar stages, the event`s format has been revised. The groups of stages programmed on Days 1 and 2 are particularly long (up to 77km on the Friday) but are made up of a number of short stages. On the contrary, Day 3`sstages tend to be longer (close to 30km) but the groups of stages are shorter. The Australian stages are not particularly hard-wearing, but the event takes place in November, so ground temperatures promise to be high.
Re-cut treads… in moderation!
To clear the small marble-like stones that cover the stages in the Bunnings complex (Leg 2), or should it rain, drivers are permitted to re-cut the tread pattern of their tyres with a view to obtaining wider grooves between the tread blocks. It is important not to remove too much rubber, however, because the groups of stages are long!
Tags:
tyres,
australia,
michelin,
gravel,
competition,
