Tire manufacuturer interview Part.3 Dunlop
https://supergt.net/news/single/20207
Q. What is the importance of Dunlop in entering SUPER GT?
*There are two points: technology development and advertising effects.
*Since tire development is open in Super GT, we are aiming for the effect of refining our technology in this severe tire competition.
*We are creating various materials through the development of tires for SGT, and we are introducing new materials from the 1st round this season.
*Some of the materials and technologies cultivated at SGT are fed back to commercial tires for street use.
*If there is tire competition, we will focus on performance development, so unlike the one-make category, we will develop specifically for it.
Q. About 1995 Greagt Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
*We, the HQ office of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, are located in Kobe, but after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, we were severely damaged and all tire development was suspended.
*As a result, it was very difficult to bridge the engineering gap with the rivals after the earthquake. We have managed to catch up with it.
Q. About GT500 and GT300 tire supply
*Regarding the GT500, there is a disadvantage in that there is only one supply team, but I think there are advantages, as well.
*That is, we can communicate closely with the team and develop a dedicated tire for that team.
*We make tires tailored to the team's vehicles and strive to compete with other rival tire manufacturers.
*On the other hand, in GT300 class, we are able to create a situation where our tire users are always in the fight for the championship.
*GT300 tires are developed exclusively for GT300. However, part of the technology developed for GT500 is also used.
*This works well, and I think that GT300 has produced some results and appealed.