Behind the scenes of the RS12 and V03 press launch at the Buriram MotoGP track
How do you introduce new sports tyres to the world when their predecessors are already legendary? Bridgestone did it — again — the spotlight was on the Bridgestone RS12 racing street tyre and the V03 slick, presented at the Buriram MotoGP Circuit in Thailand. Alongside 33 journalists from all over the world and 32 dealers, your Gripping Stories reporter was also present at the Chang International Circuit for this outstanding event.
- The organizing of this event (november ’25) started in September ’24
- At the track: 32 dealers, 33 journalists, 17 nationalities
- 3 VIP guide riders
- 6 mechanics
Getting there
Before testing, the crew and journalists had to get to the Buriram track. Most of them travelled halfway around the world to get to this event. Bridgestone felt it was only right to treat the attendees to a day in Bangkok — to ease into the time difference and to experience a little more of Thailand than just the MotoGP circuit. That included visits to some of the world’s most renowned temples, a boat ride along the canals, and—of course—a tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok.
At the track
One day later, 29 motorcycles from five different brands were lined up in the pit lane, ready to head out at Buriram. All of them were fitted with fresh Bridgestone rubber — RS12s for track use on the first day, and V03 slicks for those who wanted the full race-spec experience on the second and last day. To demonstrate the difference between the new V03 and the already outstanding V02, Bridgestone had prepared some bikes with the ‘old’ tyres, so both slicks could be tested, and the differences were easier to spot. Conditions were stable but challenging, with heat typical for november in Thailand and strong winds. Perfect circumstances for a thorough tyre test, however.
Some serious volume
More than enough reason to bring serious tyre volume, even though both the RS12 and the V03 proved capable of sustained pace and outstanding performance. In total, 326 tyres were used. The 50 sets of W01 rain tyres weren’t. Nobody felt bad for that…
- 1 container shipped from EU with 14 bikes
- 15 locally sourced bikes
- 326 tyres used (RS12, V03, V02)
- 50 sets unused wet W01 tyres
- 2 days set-up and preshoot
- 3 days track riding with guests
- brake pads upon brake pads upon brake pads
Across all riding sessions, the RS12 and V03 (and the bikes) were pushed hard. The 4.554 km Buriram MotoGP Circuit features 12 corners and a flowing layout that rewards stability on the brakes, confidence in long arcs and solid drive out of slower turns. The riders’ focus shifted to what matters on track: precise feedback, consistent grip and predictable behavior when you start asking serious questions of a tyre. With Karel Hanika and Jeremy McWilliams on site, you could count on a very brisk tempo during the first guided session. To document everything, Bridgestone didn’t only fly in yours truly, but also a team of photographers and videographers. It’s important to get the tyre tested by the most renowned journalists in the world, but it is as important to be able to document their findings. So, everybody went home with a personal sit of photos and videos. Shot by…
- 3 photographers
- 3 videographers
Happy faces
Three photographers and three videographers captured every journalist at their best: deep lean angles, the occasional wheelie and controlled slides when the pace — and confidence — went up. The RS12s and V03s took a proper beating, as they should. But wear stayed fine and with the V03 holding operational temperatures even after a short pit stop, riders could keep attacking the track with full confidence from the first meters on. The result: happy faces among the testers, plenty of sweat, and above all, genuine satisfaction. Nothing but positive feedback: excellent grip, sharp handling, strong stability and a truly track-focused package that delivers. If you are aiming for victory at the highest level or just want to enjoy a track day with your sports bike, the RS12 and V03 will deliver exactly what you want. And more. With these tyres, Bridgestone once again raised the bar: the right tools, in the right place, with the right pace to prove it.
