German tyre manufacturer, Metzeler, head into the 2015 Isle of Man TT with a number of top riders choosing to use their tyres for the event.
Metzeler have already had an impressive start to the road racing season having picked up three victories and multiple podium finishes at last month’s North West 200.
Some of the riders that will be using Metzeler tyres at the TT include Tyco BMW’s Guy Martin and William Dunlop, PBM Kawasaki’s Ian Hutchinson and Gary Johnson on-board the GB Moto Kawasaki and
Mar-train Yamaha machines.
Despite having 15 podium finishes to his name Martin has never stood on the top step and is hoping that 2015 can be his year.
Martin said: “Racing is all about confidence isn’t it and I need confidence in my tyres as much as anything. The guys at Metzeler have worked real hard to build some good, confidence inspiring tyres over the last few years, so I’m very happy to be using them.
“The TT isn’t like a short circuit, you need edge grip, stability and at the end of the races; durability – their rubber gives me all that. No excuses, bike, tyres and me…we’re ready for what will be!”
Those riders competing in the Supersport and Superstock classes will use the treaded, road legal Metzeler Racetec RR tyres. Those competing in the Superbike and blue-riband Senior races will be using the Racetec Slick tyres.
Johnson took the chequered flag in last year’s Supersport race, using the Racetec RR tyres, and is hoping to enjoy success in all three classes this time round.
He said: The TT is an incredible event and there is nothing else like it on the planet. Tyres are one of the most crucial parts of the machine around here, and you have to have complete confidence in what you’re riding – particularly on the beginning of the opening lap at places such as Ballagarey where you’re flat out in sixth with a fresh set of tyres and full tank.
“Thankfully, the Metzeler tyres have been faultless in terms of grip and I’ve always had such confidence in them from the very beginning of the race.”
Metzeler UK Marketing Manager, Simon Carter, added: “With a strong set of results in Road Racing already this year, we head to the Island in an incredibly strong position. Metzeler has already enjoyed success around the challenging course and with Martin, Dunlop, Johnson, Hutchinson, Harrison, Hillier and Rutter all fired up for this year, I’m very confident we’ll be seeing further podiums over the course of race week.
The first racing action of the 2015 TT gets underway on Saturday June 6, with the Superbike race and the first of two Sidecar races scheduled to take place.
