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Given that tyres are expensive and that race tyres generally only see action on one side are there any views on running Pirrelli Dragon Super Corsas (or any others for that matter) "backwards" to double the effective tyre life? A few racers i have spoken to reckon that this no problem but a couple of tyre "pros" reckon not - although given that they are in the business of selling tyres maybe their view is biased . Any experience out there?

I know at the Manx GP it is absolutly strictly forbidden to run tyres backwards...............

For 12 months when I was 17 I worked for Michelin...............tyres are constructed layer by layer including the top layer which is the tread there is a slight over lap where the two ends meet and that is the reason tyres have a direction............in case that overlap starts to peel apart

tyres are made with a rotation for a reason and thats the way it will give the best grip, thats what the manufacturs designed it to be.
if a tyre has been 'scrubbed' in one way and you turn it round and run it the other way it causes it to 'scrub' back on it self causing the tyre to rip up.
i wouldnt run a tyre the other way once it has been used one way.

Ive done it a few times Dave and had no problems so far

Ive never fancied doing it myself, mainly because it would be on my mind if it would be ok..
But, ive heard that the new power ones are designed to be run both ways. I dont think they have a direction arrow. You can get them with a softer right side for example. So they are suited to different circuits, and can be turned for other circuits as needed.
Im not sure where i read/heard this tho, and i have been having a few weird dreams recently..
just in case its not true
its a good idea tho

I've done it lots, both with the 400 and my R1. Of the three tracks we race, one Infineon is predominately a right hand track, Thunderhill, left. If I'm going from one to the other I'll flip them. Never had a problem, been doing it for a few years.

yep some top racers here in nz do it all the time - we have a heavy r h track here in nz.
be fine for a test day.

Hi i have just got a set of the new power ones and they do have a direction arrow on them,no way i would turn them around,ian

I have run my tyres backwards for about 4 years now and never had a problem Thats everything from a 400 through to an R1 I have a friend who works for bridgestone and he says its not a problem either