WorldSBK’s season finale will see riders without the usual SCQ or SCX tyre options after Pirelli sought dedicated development solutions for Phillip Island.

The challenge of the coastal layout’s high grip and fluctuating conditions provides a unique task for the tyre manufacturer, with two medium development solutions included in the three rear options available for Australia.

“The last WorldSBK round of the year also represents the biggest challenge for us,” Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director confirmed. “In fact, the Phillip Island track is recognised, not only by us but by all tyre companies, as one of the most aggressive and difficult for tyres, due to its particular old-style layout which makes it one of a kind.

“It is one of the very few motorcycle circuits that has not undergone any changes in all these years; it has remained the same for over half a century and this contributes to its great charm. Due to its uniqueness, it is not a track that can be tackled with standard solutions, especially at the rear which is the most stressed axle.

“Development tyres must be used, designed almost ad hoc for this track. In both World Superbike and World Supersport there will be two new rear solutions in medium compound with structures sturdier than the standard ones. Usually this is the opening round of the season and we race there in February. We've never been there in November, so temperatures and weather could add another variable to an already very tricky track.”

The standard SC0 solution - the softest rear tyre available in Australia - will be joined by more robust A1126 and B0152 options with the SC0 limited to the Tissot Superpole and Tissot Superpole race sessions. Neither the SCX tyre nor the SCQ tyre are available in Australia.

For the front tyres, there will be three soft compound options available, the standard SC1, A0674 and A0843, all of which have been showcased this season.

WorldSSP’s two SC1 compound rear development solutions, the A1128 and B0625, again feature more robust structures while front tyre choices come from the standard SC1 or SC2 solutions.