Vehicle Dynamics International
  • News
    • Braking
    • Chassis
    • Driveline & Transmission
    • Dynamics Software
    • Electronic Dynamic Control
    • Lightweighting
    • OEM News
    • Ride Comfort
    • Simulation
    • Steering
    • Tires and wheels
    • Vehicle Testing
  • Features
  • Online Magazines
    • December 2024
    • May 2023
    • December 2023
    • May 2023
    • November 2022
    • Spring 2022
    • Subscribe Free!
  • Videos
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Jobs
    • Browse Jobs
    • Post a Job – It’s FREE!
    • Manage Jobs (Employers)
  • Events
  • VDI Awards
    • 2022 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2021 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2020 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2019 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2018 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2017 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
LinkedIn YouTube X (Twitter)
Subscribe to Magazine SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL NEWSLETTER MEDIA PACK
LinkedIn
Vehicle Dynamics International
  • News
      • Braking
      • Chassis
      • Driveline & Transmission
      • Dynamics Software
      • Electronic Dynamic Control
      • Lightweighting
      • OEM News
      • Ride Comfort
      • Simulation
      • Steering
      • Tires and wheels
      • Vehicle Testing
  • Features
  • Supplier innovations
  • Online Magazines
    1. December 2024
    2. May 2024
    3. December 2023
    4. May 2023
    5. November 2022
    6. Spring 2022
    7. Subscribe Free!
    Featured
    December 10, 2024

    The December 2024 issue of Vehicle Dynamics International is out!

    Braking By Web Team
    Recent

    The December 2024 issue of Vehicle Dynamics International is out!

    December 10, 2024

    The May 2024 issue of Vehicle Dynamics International is out!

    May 20, 2024

    The December 2023 issue of Vehicle Dynamics International is out!

    December 19, 2023
  • Videos
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Jobs
    • Browse Jobs
    • Post a Job – It’s FREE!
    • Manage Jobs (Employers)
  • Events
  • VDI Awards
    • 2023 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2022 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2021 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2020 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2019 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2018 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2017 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
LinkedIn
Vehicle Dynamics International
Industry news

Bridgestone inaugurates €3M wet-handling track in Italy

Adam GavineBy Adam GavineFebruary 3, 20223 Mins Read
Share LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

Bridgestone has opened its new Wet Handling Track, located at its European Proving Ground (EUPG) near Rome, Italy. The tyre manufacturer invested around €3M in the track, which will be used to test premium tyres in a variety of weather conditions.

The facility has been designed to meet the various requirements of Bridgestone’s OE customers or optimum wet handling, including both new EV players and traditional vehicle manufacturers. Bridgestone analysed feedback and data collected from OEMs and EUPG drivers, taking into account both design and development requirements, and decided to lay a new track surface, alter the track layout and instal more efficient water management systems.

Various specific materials and combinations at the EUPG provide a wide range of surfaces, representative of most road conditions in Europe. The surface of the wet-handling track was designed in association with Pisa University, with aggregates specified according to their resistance to wear. This durability is not just good for maintenance, it is also beneficial in terms of consistency over time, helping to deliver constant friction and grip levels.

Meanwhile the redesigned track layout is intended to deliver benefits including dynamic transient conditions with combined inputs and more on/off throttle operation; the possibility to perform slalom tests using the fast chicane and the ability to drive in either direction; more combined accelerations than the original layout; and more evident longitudinal accelerations than the original layout (acceleration and braking).

The designers of the wet-handling track used virtual tools for its development, including track simulations to test different scenarios and fine-tune the configuration before construction began. Bridgestone also invested in a new water system, with 6km of pipes that can move water back to a 4-million litre reservoir, helping to recycle up to 90% of water and further reducing the environmental impact of the facility.

Bridgestone’s new Wet Handling Track forms part of its European Proving Ground (EUPG), near Rome, Italy

Safety matters

Of course, safety is a key consideration for a wet-handling track, so Argex was specified for the run-off areas – a clay material that helps to reduce stopping distances.

Bridgestone also decided to improve the entire EUPG security management of the facility, with the introduction of a new EUPG Safety Management System, which allows for fully digital and automated control of the tracks. Test drivers can be kept informed in real time with safety prevention warnings, which are also shown on a screen through visual dashboards and enforced with automatic voice messages, to ensure they can focus fully on driving, while still receiving crucial safety information. Other new features include digital access to all tracks at the facility via registered permissions, along with virtual gates to help manage specific areas.

Emilio Tiberio, COO & CTO of Bridgestone EMIA commented, “Bridgestone is one of the leading investors in Research & Development in the industry and our state-of-the-art testing facilities are a substantial part of the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation. By providing our customers and partners with different testing environments, including new road surfaces and conditions, we’re able to better address the seasonal effects on tyre grip level, which ultimately improves safety for drivers.”

Share. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email
Previous ArticleVI-grade secures three new driving simulator orders
Next Article A new way for the car-buying public to assess vehicle dynamics
Adam Gavine
  • X (Twitter)

Adam divides his time as an editor between the worlds of aviation and motoring. These worlds may seem a little diverse today, but autonomous technology and future urban mobility is bringing them ever-closer. Adam is also chairman of the Vehicle Dynamics International Awards.

Related Posts

Dynamics Software

Awards for ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle innovation to be announced this week

May 19, 20254 Mins Read
Industry news

ATTI Awards winners to be announced on 20 May

May 19, 20254 Mins Read
Industry news

VI-grade launches Cloud platform to boost scalable vehicle simulation capabilities

May 14, 20252 Mins Read
Latest Posts

Awards for ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle innovation to be announced this week

May 19, 2025

ATTI Awards winners to be announced on 20 May

May 19, 2025

VI-grade launches Cloud platform to boost scalable vehicle simulation capabilities

May 14, 2025
Our Social Channels
  • LinkedIn
Getting in Touch
  • Free Email Newsletters
  • Meet The Editors
  • Contact Us
  • Media Pack
Related Topics
  • Electric & Hybrid Vehicle
  • Industrial Vehicle Technology
FREE NEWS EMAIL!

Get essential industry news from this website direct to your inbox every fortnight


© 2023 Mark Allen Group Ltd | All Rights Reserved
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.