Yokohama ADVANs
YOKOHAMA ASSISTS SEAT MAKE WTCC HISTORY


Media information 26 August 2007


Yokohama ADVAN carried SEAT's Yvan Muller to the first-ever diesel-powered FIA World Touring Car Championship victory today, despite the extra strain put on its tyres by the heavier engine.

Not only do diesel engines weigh around 50kg more than their petrol equivalents, the weight distribution is more orientated to the front, meaning the rubber reaches higher temperatures than usual.

"That can potentially pose a problem but on this occasion we are well within the allowance of the tyres so it hasn't proved to be disadvantageous," said Yokohama's Technical Consultant, Ian Beveridge.

"There has to be a slight adjustment to the driver style to create some artificial over-steer that, under normal conditions, you wouldn't want. With the diesel, however, you need it to counteract the extra under-steer you might get from the extra weight and torque at the front."

Recognising this, Muller made the necessary adjustments when racing at Oschersleben today, both to his on-track approach and in the mechanical set-up of the car.

"You can feel it in the race and you have to work on the different ways to set the car up to keep on the grip and not put too much force on the tyre," said the French race winner. "The team has found a fantastic set-up and we got the best result at Oschersleben."

Earlier in the day Yokohama ADVAN's single-seater series, International Formula Master, provided some of the day's best entertainment at the German circuit with an over-taking festival.

"You need a trust-worthy tyre for that kind of overtaking," said Beveridge. "You need confidence in its ability to grip and give that little bit extra sometimes so the level of over-taking in today's race goes to show the faith these drivers have in the Yokohamas."