The Czech MotoGP race 2020 according to Brembo

8/4/2020

A guide to the Brembo braking systems in the premier class, and their use on the Brno Automotodrom

According to Brembo technicians who work closely with all the MotoGP World Championship riders, Brno Automotodrom is one of the most highly demanding circuits for brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it earned a 4 on the difficulty index - exactly the same as Spanish tracks Jerez and Aragon.

Between the second (1.24 miles) and fifth km (3.1 miles), the track stands out for its steep slopes: the lowest point is at 376 meters (1,234 feet) above sea level while the highest is at 450 meters (1,476 feet). This affects braking because one thing is to slow a bike down on flat stretches, but to do so at the bottom of a slope is something different entirely.

The range of Brembo discs for MotoGP 

Every MotoGP rider can choose between 320 mm diameter Brembo discs or 340 mm ones. Both categories offer two models: High Mass and Standard (low) Mass. Compared with a 320 mm Standard Mass disc, a 320 mm High Mass has an extra 80% of braking band.

For each disc format, there are two different carbon mixtures distinguished by their initial bite and their resistance to high temperatures. Overall, this means there are eight front brake disc variations (excluding Motegi, where the 340 mm version is mandatory).

Brake use during the Czech MotoGP race

On every lap, the riders use their brakes 10 times for a total of 36 seconds - the highest value of the season. In other words, the braking systems are being used for 31% of the race.

On three bends, deceleration is at more than 170 km/h (106 mph) and, to achieve it, the riders have to brake for more than 4 and a half seconds, submitting to a deceleration of 1.4-1.5 g. In these moments, the system pressure is higher than 10 bar.

The most demanding braking section during the Brno race 

Of the ten braking sections on Brno Automotodrom, four are classified as very demanding on the brakes, three are of medium difficulty and the other three are light.

The longest braking section in terms of both space and time is the one on the first bend: the riders start braking at 306 km/h (190 mph) and only end after 5.3 seconds and 284 meters (932 feet), when the speed has dropped to 118 km/h (73 mph).