Double Supersport Option: Pirelli Introduces New Rear Slick “E0126” and Wet Front Spec “E0158” at Dutch Round of FIM Superbike World Championship
This weekend at the Dutch Round of the FIM Superbike World Championship, held at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands, Pirelli will offer two rear tire options in the WorldSBK class. In addition to the standard SCX compound, a new development specification tire, the E0126, will be made available. This tire represents the latest evolution in the Supersport family, designed to deliver improved grip while maintaining consistent performance over longer race distances.
Return of the SCQ
At the TT Circuit Assen—often referred to as the “Cathedral of Speed”—the extra-soft SCQ rear tire returns to the allocation list for the first time this season. The SCQ will be available for use in free practice, qualifying, and the Superpole Race, where maximum performance over short stints is critical.
New Front Wet Development Spec
In the event of rain, riders will have access to both the standard SCR1 front wet tire and a development specification wet front tire, the E0158. Although this tire was allocated at the Portuguese round in Portimão, dry conditions prevented any real-world testing by the riders.
WorldWCR and Northern Talent Cup Also Kick Off
The Assen event also marks the season opener for the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR). Since its debut in 2024, Pirelli has been the sole tire supplier for this category. Once again, DIABLO Superbike slicks in the SC1 compound will be used on both the front and rear.
Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director:
“With the allocation of the E0126, we’re completing an important development phase that includes a new construction aimed at expanding the contact patch to enhance grip. The casing used in this E0126 is the same as that in the E0125 soft tire introduced at Portimão, which was the most widely used option across all three races that weekend.”
“This new Supersport tire differs from the standard SCX not just in its casing but also in its compound. It’s been specifically developed to provide greater consistency over longer distances. Given the right temperatures and track conditions, we believe it could become the most popular choice for Race 1 and Race 2.”
“Therefore, collecting rider feedback is crucial—both in comparing it to the standard SCX and in light of the successful performance of its ‘sister compound’ E0125 in Portugal. For other sessions such as qualifying and the Superpole Race, the extra-soft SCQ is available. The SCQ is a well-established option and remains a favorite for riders seeking peak performance over short distances.”
“And of course, given Assen’s notoriously unpredictable weather, we’re bringing the front rain development spec E0158 again. It was also available at Portimão, but since it didn’t rain there, riders haven’t yet had the chance to test it under race conditions.”
(Photo courtesy of Pirelli)