WRC » FIRST PIC: Pirelli's new asphalt WRC tyre for 08.

Wednesday, 3rd October 2007

Pirelli confirms asphalt WRC tyre ready for 2008.

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Just like high-performance road car tyres, the new rally tyre moves towards an asymmetric design, whilst taking on board the lessons learned from the development of the well-known RX tyre, which is particularly efficient on dry asphalt. The external shoulder of the new tyre is wider, giving excellent levels of grip when the car is learning into a corner, while the internal part of the tyre features more prominent grooves. These grooves enable the car to work effectively in wet asphalt conditions, even if there is a risk of aquaplaning.

The differences between the new asphalt P Zero tyre and the existing WRC rubber that has been produced to date – generally consisting of specialised tyres for either wet or dry conditions – now begin to be clear.

The new World Championship asphalt tyre is designed for use in both wet and dry conditions: just like the tyres fitted to road cars. For extremely wet asphalt conditions, drivers will be able to ‘cut' their own tyres in order to guarantee the highest possible levels of safety.

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Profile

The profile of the new asphalt PZero tyre has been designed to optimise its footprint, even when a rally car is running with a high camber set-up. It is also designed to manage wear as effectively as possible, even in extreme conditions like those seen on WRC events.

Construction

The new tyre's construction has been strengthened even further (hence the ‘Extra Load' nomenclature) compared to the existing asphalt rubber, in order to minimize the risk of punctures. This is vitally important, as from 2008 the use of mousse or any other anti-deflation device has been outlawed.

The new tyre's carcass is made up of the latest and most innovative materials developed by Pirelli's technicians. Their goal was to obtain maximum rigidity and progression, whilst providing a tyre that was instantly reactive and easy to drive. At the same time the usual basic requirements had to be met – such as minimum weight and maximum resistance to lacerations.