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news :: rally
Marking the change to Pirelli
29 January 2008
Rallye Monte Carlo marked the first competitive outing of the World Rally Championship with Pirelli as the single tyre supplier. The control tyres will be used by all manufacturer teams throughout the year, and present limited tread and compound choices on each event. The cutting of tyres and anti-deflation mousse are two elements have also been banned. Tyre choice may have become easier, but no less critical.
The first of Pirelli’s offering is their PZero asphalt tyre which is a cut slick designed for use in dry and damp conditions. On the cards for asphalt rallies such as Rallye Deutschland, it is available in two compounds. The soft tyre is more suited to smooth but cool surfaces and wetter roads, and the hard tyre excels on hotter and more abrasive surfaces. Subject to the highest lateral loads of all, the challenge with these tyres will be for drivers to preserve the tread over long stages and adapt quickly to variations in grip and surface conditions.
Pirelli’s gravel tyre is an all-new item that has arguably the most punishing role of all. Having to cope with the rigours of potholes and rocks that line gravel routes the world over, they have been specifically strengthened to resist punctures from cuts and abrasions, with the ban on anti-deflation mousse. Many gravel rallies will likely be decided by the speed with which drivers adapt to a change in driving style that can push the tyres to their limit without undue risk of punctures. Available in soft and hard compounds, the former is suited to soft ground and mud as found on Rally GB, and the latter abrasive gravel such as in Greece.
The third tyre available is Pirelli’s Sottozero, which takes the place of wet weather/snow hybrid courtesy of the option to use multiple metal studs to provide extra traction. It is available in only one tread pattern and one compound – a clear change from the range of options available last season. This tyre is used on rallies such as Monte Carlo where the asphalt routes are interspersed by snow and ice.
The Sottozero is also available as a dedicated ice tyre, which is much narrower to exert more pressure on the road surface and increase the level of grip. Featuring a single deep-cut tread pattern and compact metal studs, this tyre is used for specialist events such as Sweden where the entire route is expected to be snow-covered. Once again, this tyre is available in only one compound.
Source- Subaru World Rally Team
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