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Pirelli Rally tyres
Pirelli Rally tyres
Pirelli Rally tyres date back to 1973
Of course, there is no doubt about it ! That Pirelli are very closely linked to the beginning of motorsport. As we know it today. So, the Italian’s first ever victory. Came in the then prestigious Peking to Paris race in 1907.
Even after such an early start to the development of tyres. Pirelli started to develop the knowledge to develop different compounds and tread patterns. Hence, that would affect the performance of their tyres in racing events. For example different tyres for different weather conditions and road surfaces.
Pirelli rally tyres in WRC 1973
Consequently, Pirelli were involved in the World Rally Championships (WRC) way back at the start in 1973. So, many of the cars that have rallied on these famous tyres. Have won no fewer than 25 championship races.
Significantly, at one point, they became the official tyre suppliers to the WRC series. Moreover, they are now emulating in Formula 1 racing. In my opinion, the rally tyres are the most difficult to develop. Due to their demanding challenges,.
Having to endure not only the weather ! But massive differences in the type of terrain. Thus, that the tyres operate on. The Pirelli rally tyres have to be good in different weather conditions. Including, snow and ice to dust dry mountainous conditions. Consequently, that you can get in some South American rallies, such as in Argentina.
Pirelli Rally tyres are now active in the European Rally Championships
Bringing things back up to date. Pirelli have had a great start to the 2014 rally season. So, taking the first three places in the Janner rally in Austria. Of course, in the first round of the European championships. Ford Fiesta R5’s took first and third place, with the two Fords being split by the Peugeot 207 super 2000 driven by Robert Consani.
The cars were driving on hard-packed snow and ice and were fitted with Pirelli rally 135/85×15 SA15 studs that contained 2 mm studs that were designed for the 15-inch wheels.
The Pirelli rally tyres performed to the best of their abilities
Proving decisive to the results, the performance on the ice and snow was second to none.
I always bring up the fact that I was in my seventies. I was one of the guys that was part of the Goodyear tyre rally Back-Up Team and went to many of the local and British championships. In those days, Pirelli were big rivals. But took place in the bigger events and consequently, I never came across them very often.
I have always loved to watch rallying and the various tyre companies that now support the sport have given me a renewed interest, I can now watch the Motoring channel on TV without getting freezing cold, but I try to attend some events in the summer and will be attending some rally-cross events courtesy of Yokohama tyres.
