How new tyre will 'spice up' Sydney season opener
10 Feb 2022
An even softer Super Soft tyre will contribute to an enhanced racing spectacle in Sydney, says Cam Waters.
Dunlop has developed a softer version of its Super Soft compound tyre, which will be used at a number of events in 2022.
It will make its racing debut at the season-opening Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight.
The new tyre was recently tested to rave reviews with the Gen3 prototypes.
It is expected to last only 60km; at the high degradation Sydney Motorsport Park, it could drop off at just 14 laps.
Critically, as was the case in the final Sydney round of 2021, drivers will have just one Super Soft per race.
This year’s Sydney races will be 300km - or 77 laps - in length.
Given drivers will battled fatigue, how and when they use the Super Soft will be crucial to their result.
CLICK HERE to purchase your Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight tickets
Drivers bracing for 'brutal' 300km Sydney races
2022 race weekend formats revealed
More mixed tyre compound events in 2022
Hot Dub Time Machine to light up Sydney spectacular
“Having the ability to put the Super Soft on in the race will definitely spice it up,” Tickford Racing driver Waters told Supercars.com.
“You saw last year just how much faster guys on that tyre were, the racing was awesome.
“But there’s also a chance that a Safety Car could come out and it could either kill your race or make it.”
Waters knows better than most how effective the Super Soft can be.
He was in the box seat in Race 29 last November after an inspired stint on the softest rubber pushed him to the front.
It only took a superhuman effort by Shane van Gisbergen to deny Waters an unlikely victory in the closing laps.
Having witnessed the efficacy of a strong Super Soft strategy, Waters acknowledged that the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight will provide a dramatic spectacle to open the new season.
“SMSP being high deg already, and with an even softer Super Soft, it won’t last very long,” Waters said.
“How you make it work, and when you use it, will be pretty important to your result.
“It’s going to throw a real spanner in the works being the first round of the year.
“It’ll be great entertainment value, no doubt."
The 13-event 2022 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Sydney in March. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.
