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Did you know that WorldSBK teams have a maximum number of tyres that are allowed to be fitted to their wheels at any given time? This is all part of the challenge when it comes to managing the situation, not least when weather conditions take a turn for the worse.

“We can only have 13 wheels mounted at any one time,” explains Ashley Banks, Tyre Technician and truck driver for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team.

“If it's dry, this is totally fine, but with changeable weather you also need intermediate and rain tyres fitted. The Pirelli allocation of tyres can sometimes be limited in numbers available. Dorna issues a sticker system for the weekend, both for front and rear, so sometimes you need to keep a lightly used tyre as a back-up. This reduces the amount you can then fit new. Also, in changeable conditions you may need different choices of front and rear tyres because of track temperature. In key qualifying sessions this means a full rack of 13 wheels, with different temperatures and pressures, according to use. In other words, it's busy!”

Ashley Banks has been working in the paddock since 2001 and always revels in his trips to Laguna Seca, California – scene of Round 9 next weekend.

“I have always loved Laguna Seca,” he says. “I love the setting and the racing…and the burgers! A couple of us are also taking a trip to Yosemite before the races this year, so we are looking forward to a little down time before the racing gets going.”