SIC to stick with Achilles tyres

Feedback from tests conducted by reputable drivers and technicians, said SIC chief executive officer Razlan Razali, show that the Achilles 123 tyres, abused under endurance racing conditions, are capable of lasting up to 50 laps on the full 5.543 kilometre Sepang Circuit. Proton team Axle principal Alex Yoong and R3 technical director Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel are among those whose feedback were gathered upon some negative responses from a number of teams on the new Indonesian-made tyres. "There are a handful that are unhappy with the tyres for various reasons but we're looking at the majority. We've gone around the paddock seeking feedback from various teams and the consensus is that everyone has no major issues with the tyres," said Razlan. "We've taken steps to clarify all issues, including getting feedback from reputable drivers and technicians. The technicians from Achilles are also at the track, regularly getting feedback from the teams and assisting them." The Achilles 123 tyres, compulsory for the event, are sold to competitors at a price of RM275 each. A RM50 deposit per tyre is also required, which is refunded when the used tyre is returned to the supplier at the track. Full slick tyres supplied by another manufacturer previously cost more than RM400 per tyre. "These are semi-slick tyres, which are affordable. Of course, teams with bigger budgets will have money to spend on tyres, but we also look at the smaller teams, those who are racing for the first time and do not have the budget to spend. This levels it all, as everybody uses the same tyre," said Razlan. On another note, the Sepang Circuit was a hive of activity yesterday as practice for the inaugural race, which is expected to run for 182 laps, or more than nine hours, got into full gear with more teams filling up the paddock. As of yesterday, 57 cars are ready to start the race at noon on Saturday with 32 teams set to battle it out for Class 1 (production cars between 1,601cc and 1,800cc) and the remainder battling for Class 2 (production cars up to 1,600cc) honours.

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