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www.thevillagenews.co.za
3 March 2021
First Tyre with New “HL” Load Index Code L
arge, powerful cars and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) with electric or hybrid drive put far more weight onto the road than conventional vehicles. At the same time, these heavier models offer little scope for fitting larger tyres with higher load capacities. In response, Continental is now manufacturing the first passenger tyre with the new “HL” load index code. Inflated to the same pressure, these tyres have a higher load capacity than those built to the former XL standard. On the sidewall, products with the new maximum load capacity display the HL code ahead of the size, as in “HL 245/40 R 19 101 Y XL”. The load capacity of this HL tyre stands at 825 kg (load index 101), which equates to a 10 percent increase over
the familiar XL standard of 750 kg (load index 98).
of the development project for these tyres.
Passenger tyres of this size built to the SL standard, adequate for many cars, up to and including mid-range models, can take a maximum load of 670 kg (load index 94). That makes the load capacity of the new HL tyres almost one quarter higher. Looking ahead, Continental is expecting to see growing demand from vehicle manufacturers for tyres with the new HL code.
“In terms of construction, we reinforced the bead and enhanced the contour of the tyre to reduce tyre/road noise. At the same time, we also optimised the pattern compound. As a result, we were able to achieve low rolling resistance, ensure precise handling and keep mileage at its customary high level.”
Increasing the load capacity while at the same time meeting customer requirements called for a number of changes in both the tyre structure and the rubber compound. “We were dealing here with tradeoffs that needed resolving at a very high level,” explains Dr Stefan Habicht who was in charge
Continental is currently producing the first tyres to the new HL standard for original equipment (OE) fitments, but they will also be available in the replacement market. Currently the HL tyre range is manufactured at Contintental’s plant in Otrokovice in the Czech Republic, and is marketed around the globe.
Scuderia AlphaTauri Launches AT02 S
cuderia AlphaTauri has unveiled its 2021 car, the AT02, in an all-new matte blue and white livery, alongside its drivers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda. The launch was held at AlphaTauri’s new showroom in Salzburg, Austria, and presented digitally. After a successful first season racing in the AlphaTauri colours, the Italian outfit is looking to challenge the top of the ultra-competitive midfield in 2021, putting its faith in the new pairing. Since debuting with the team in 2017, Gasly has earned two F1 podiums, including a spectacular maiden win at Monza in 2020, meaning his experience
with the team will allow him to stepup to a team leader role. Joining the Frenchman will be 20-year-old Tsunoda, the first Japanese driver to race in F1 since 2014. His promotion to F1 comes off the back of a fast, four-season trajectory; from winning the 2018 F4 Japanese Championship and finishing third in the 2020 FIA F2 Championship to entering the top-level ranks this year. Expectations are high for his rapid style of learning to complement the experience of Gasly. “The decision to go for Pierre and Yuki in 2021 was taken because Scuderia AlphaTauri’s philosophy is still to give talented young drivers from the Red
Bull Junior Program the opportunity to step up to F1 and to educate them – this is why Yuki now gets his chance,” explained Team Principal, Franz Tost. “With Pierre on Yuki’s side we have an experienced driver, who can help our Japanese rookie to develop faster, but at the same time we can aim for good results. I think this pair is the best possible scenario to achieve both our targets, and I’m also confident this will be a successful one.” “I’m ready to take on the role of team leader. Yuki is a very quick driver, and he will help us move the team forward, we will work together to achieve that,” said Pierre Gasly, the team’s all-time
top points scorer. “I really believe last year was the teams best in terms of the way it worked, the development, the performance and the way it managed the race weekends. I’m always hungry for more, and I’m sure we can achieve great things in 2021.” Yuki Tsunoda, who was honoured with the Anthoine Hubert Award for best Formula 2 rookie in 2020, added, “I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with Scuderia AlphaTauri ahead of the season, so I’m already developing strong relationships and learning a lot from them, including Pierre, who is an incredible talent. My main goal is to learn quickly and deliver results as soon
as possible, and I’m really excited to get started.” Ahmet Mercan, CEO AlphaTauri, summarized: “This is a triple reveal at a unique point of time: a new AlphaTauri Showroom where fashion meets F1, a first look at the AW21 AlphaTauri collection and the unveiling of the new Scuderia AlphaTauri F1 livery and driver pairing.” The Formula 1 season kicks off at the Bahrain Test, 12 – 14 March, getting ready for the first round, the Bahrain Grand Prix on 28 March. ARTICLE AND IMAGES SUPPLIED
