Component supplier Wulf Gaertner Autoparts has been testing its commercial vehicle brake components in one of the toughest competition arenas, the FIA Truck Racing European Championship. MEYLE brake discs and pads are featured on the CEPSA-MAN truck driven by Spanish truck racer, Antonio Albacete who is powering towards another series victory.

Antonio Albacete is a former kart and car racer who has become a leading name in truck racing having taken the European title three times. Talking about components used on his truck Antonio says, “We regularly test new parts for the most critical areas of the truck. For this season we tested three different brake suppliers, and the MEYLE brake discs and pads emerged as the winner from these tests.”

Sven Nielsen, Technology Manager at Wulf Gaertner Autoparts highlights the challenges these MEYLE brake parts have to meet. He says, “The trucks brake very severely especially before the bends: from around 160 to only 40 to 50 kph. In the process the brakes can reach extreme temperatures very quickly. That's why it's essential to cool the brake discs with water. The components have to be able to withstand large temperature differences without changing shape or their surface composition. This is the only way for the brake disc to keep the same characteristics, allowing the driver to brake safely and efficiently without losing valuable time.”

Antonio adds, “MEYLE’s discs conduct the heat away very effectively. The braking power of the disc remains constant throughout its lifetime. We are very happy with the performance of the MEYLE parts and that is one reason why we are confident we can finish the 2014 season with the title.”

Seven says the collaboration is important to MEYLE. He points out, “It allows us to demonstrate that our MEYLE parts give optimum performance even in the most extreme conditions. It also gives us the chance to subject the brake discs and pads for commercial vehicles to the ultimate test, and so to perfect them still further. For this we maintain close contact with the race team and we receive constant feedback.”