The new Ultraction compound is sensitive to tire pressures and seems to have a narrow ideal operating range. The morning sessions were spent experimenting with rear tire pressures in an attempt to achieve an operable balance, but a workable compromise eluded us. Almeria's predominantly right-turn layout (nine rights to five lefts) exacerbated the problem, creating a large temperature variance from one side of the tire to the other. Pump up the pressure so the right side doesn't overheat, and the left side never gets up to temperature. Drop the pressure enough for the left side to warm up and the right side gets greasy. Under both circumstances, the rear tire spun and slid when the gas was rolled on after the apex.
The slides, however, were miraculously smooth and easy to control. Although traction is not as high as claimed or intended, Bridgestone's statements about slide control are entirely accurate, perhaps even understated. Unlike race tires or stickier street tires that have a tendency to slip and then hook up quickly and upset the chassis, the rear BT-003RS simply wags gently to the outside in a predictable and manageable power slide, with a sizable margin for error.
Even though the rear tire lost traction at the track, the limit was well beyond what any sane rider would surpass on the street. With more time to experiment with tire pressures and suspension settings, we're sure better results could have been attained, but even the BT-016 seems to have higher and more consistent traction.
Besides making you feel like Garry McCoy, the slide characteristics of the BT-003RS make them an excellent learning tool for advancing track riders. Bridgestone says their sport tire lineup is meant to be climbed like a ladder, with the expectation that riders will ascend the performance rungs as their skill develops. While not good for pursuing lap times, the BT-003RSs may be worth a try simply for their slide and throttle control educational value. -Ari Henning