Born on the toughest tracks, this slot pattern was engineered to continuously refresh the pad’s friction surface, remove dirt and glazing residues, and always deliver a firm, reliable bite from the very first fraction of a second of braking.
From the track: why slotting makes the difference
In 2003, in GT championships, Brembo introduced Type 3 slotting to replace the previous Type 1. The innovation was not generic “slotting,” already familiar in motorsport, but the specific Type 3 architecture: grooves of differing size and orientation, engineered to optimize disc–pad contact under real race conditions and to maintain consistent performance throughout the stint.
In racing—especially in endurance events with repeated braking and variable conditions—the pad tends to stick to the disc surface or form a film that reduces grip: this is known as “glazing” or surface deposits. Type 3 grooves perform a dual function: they act like a fine file that refreshes the pad face, removing residues and impurities, and they increase the ability to break the water film in wet driving, promoting more stable behavior. The practical result is a more immediate bite, more precise modulation, and a consistent braking feel even after repeated heavy stops.
Technical characteristics and practical effects
Type 1 used more homogeneous, linear grooves; Type 3 introduces variable patterns (size, curvature, length, and orientation).
Type 3 slotting is not a mere aesthetic gimmick: the geometry and layout of the grooves are the result of CFD analyses and CNC machining to optimize the material‑removal profile and pad life. Concrete outcome: a higher coefficient of friction in the initial contact phase (better “bite”), increased pedal sensitivity, greater resistance to fade, and a more progressive, controllable braking feel.
In detail, the presence of Type 3 grooves offers tangible advantages:
- Greater bite: disc–pad contact is always optimal, ensuring an immediate response in the initial phase of braking.
- Consistent performance: even after numerous stops, the disc maintains the same effectiveness, reducing the risk of fade.
- Heat and gas dissipation: the grooves help evacuate gases generated at high temperatures and prevent water films from forming in wet conditions, improving safety in every situation.
- Pedal feel: greater stability and modulation, for progressive, controllable braking.
From GT to the “Sport” version for the road
The experience gained in GT racing has not remained confined to the pit lane: Brembo has transferred Type 3 slotting to its “Sport” range, under the TY3 designation, creating discs designed for those who drive sportily on the road or seek upgrades for high‑performance cars.
The Brembo TY3 disc is not a museum piece from racing: it is a plug‑and‑play solution, compatible with the original discs and ECE R90 approved. Designed for enthusiasts who alternate daily use with spirited driving, the TY3 combines the durability of the best road discs with superior performance, also suitable for moderate track use.
The aggressive design, with the Brembo logo engraved on the braking surface, is not just about aesthetics: it is the hallmark of a technology that has made racing history and today elevates driving pleasure.
The track that teaches the road
The TY3 disc embodies a path typical of motorsport engineering: a track need (maintaining bite and consistency in endurance and GT racing) that generates a technical solution (Type 3 grooves), followed by adapting that solution into products usable on the road. For the enthusiast driver, it means bringing underfoot the same attention to detail that makes the difference in racing: more bite, control, and consistency—without sacrificing compatibility with everyday driving.