The Garage 336

TYRES
Bridgestone
announces
inauguration of new
state-of-the-art
Wet Handling Track
at its European
Proving Ground
● As part of its continued efforts and investment in R&D,
Bridgestone EMIA’s new Wet Handling Track enables
them to rigorously test their premium tyres, helping
ensure optimal wet performance.
● The track was built just outside Rome and was designed
taking into consideration both traditional vehicle
manufacturers and new EV players, bringing one of the
most innovative and advanced tyre testing facilities in
the EU to life.
● Using virtual development it was possible to evaluate
different scenarios and choose the best configuration
and layout of the track, while also reducing the use
of physical resources – aligning with the company’s
ambitions to deliver sustainable mobility.
Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and rubber providing
solutions for safe and sustainable mobility, has launched
a new Wet Handling Track at its European Proving Ground
(EUPG) based near Rome, Italy, investing approximately €3M in the
project. The new track, designed in a virtual environment ahead of
construction, provides the ability to test premium tyres in varied
weather conditions to ensure optimal wet performance.
To further refine the requirements for maximum testing
capabilities at the Wet Handling Track, Bridgestone worked in
collaboration with partners, including both new EV players and
traditional vehicle manufacturers. Analysing feedback and data
collected from vehicle manufacturers and EUPG drivers, as well
as creating virtual simulations and taking a modular approach
with separate areas of design and development – such as the new
surface, enhanced layout and more efficient water management –
helped Bridgestone to create the state-of-the-art facility.
A successful project rooted in virtual development and
close collaboration
The surface of the track was designed in association with Pisa
University, incorporating carefully selected aggregates that are
more resilient to wear. This is particularly beneficial when it comes
to consistency over time, helping to deliver constant friction and
enhanced grip levels that make it easier to evaluate the overall
performance of tyres.
The track’s cutting-edge layout results in a number of benefits,
including:
● Dynamic transient conditions with combined inputs and more
on/off throttle operation
● The possibility to perform slalom tests using the fast chicane
and the ability to drive in either direction
● More combined accelerations than the original layout
● More evident longitudinal accelerations than the original layout
(acceleration & braking)
Combined, these results allow Bridgestone to develop and test
premium tyres that match the requirements and demands of
customers.
Through virtual development, which uses track simulations to test
and fine tune the design before construction began, the project
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