Tyres for the WRC(World Rally Championship)

The tyres are an important part of the vehicles because are the most sensitive part and these are changing offen
than all parts from this. In the WRC these must to be suitable to all the roads which the vehicles driving. One of the
big company in the world which made tyres is Pirelli and I want to present the tyre range from their company.
Pirellis history is very closely linked to the evolution of Motorsport. Ever since the first victory achieved in 1907
in the Peking-Paris raid Pirelli has known how to develop a specific range of competition tyres with a high
technological
content
and
excellent
performance.
In Rallying Pirelli has a long and illustrious history both as a single supplier and in open competition, playing a role
of
protagonist. .
For a tyre manufacturer, rallying is a massive challenge as the tyres are tested on every road surface, in a huge
variety of climatic conditions. The experience gained in the WRC and the technical development made for asphalt,
gravel, snow and ice rally tyres have been transferred to the national and international championships Pirelli has
been participating at all over the world.

1. RX (A tyre for dry or damp asphalt)

Size: ( R14 160/560 ; R15 190/580 ; R16 210/600 ; R17 210/625 ; R18 225,650 )

The percentage of grooves is the minimum allowed by the FIA technical regulations to
ensure the maximum duration and efficiency even in the most severe conditions. The square profile and the
particularly rigid structure of the RX facilitate steering precision and a prompt response both on slow guided
routes, and on fast routes with prolonged stress on the tyre and fast changes of direction. It is available in two
compounds for specific weather and asphalt conditions. In a softer compound for competitions at low
temperatures, smooth or damp surfaces, where a good level of grip is required and where the tread rubber is not
excessively stressed; in a harder compound for special stages.

2. RE (An intermediate tyre for damp and wet asphalt)

Size: ( R14 160/560 ; R16 200/600 ; R17 200/625, 225/625 ; R18 225/625 )

Developed on the basis of a tyre for the dry, but with a less rigid structure, and with the
tread pattern more similar to a wet-weather tyre.In difficult conditions, typical of stages in the wet, the more
rounded profile and the less rigid structure compared with the RX ensure a less nervous and more controllable
response.
The tread pattern has three longitudinal grooves that ensure good evacuation of water in the event of rain. In
more severe conditions, with puddles and standing water, the tread can easily be hand-cut to make additional
grooves and increase the drainage of water.

3. N (A tyre for damp or wet asphalt)

Size: ( R15 190/580 )

Developed on the basis of a rain tyre with a less rigid structure and a wetweather tyre profile. The tread pattern has three longitudinal grooves that ensure good water drainage
even in heavy rain. The depth of the grooves is greater compared with the RE and ensures good
performance even in the most severe conditions such as puddles, dirt and standing water.
In extreme cases the tread can easily be hand-cut to make additional channels enabling better water
drainage.
The level of hardness of the compound and the design of the construction ensure good performance even
in conditions typical of an intermediate tyre.

4. K (An asymmetric tyre , for dry or damp/ wet surfaces)

Size: ( R15 165/70 , 175/70 , 185/70 , 205/65 reinforcement )

Notable steering precision and adherence in traction and braking above all on fast roads, even at low
levels of grip. The rigid structure and the dense tread pattern ensure good stability above all in fast
cornering
characterized
by
prolonged
stress
on
the
tyre.
The asymmetric tread pattern ensures excellent performance in traction and braking thanks to the
internal blocks. The external blocks facilitate excellent directionality and high lateral grip.
Available in different compounds, according to the characteristics of adherence of the ground and the
weather
conditions.
For the hardest and most severe surfaces the K is available in a reinforced version. The features of
directionality and traction are combined with resistance and integrity thanks to its reinforced structure
both in the tread zone and in the sidewalls, which are more resistant to lacerations and cuts.

5. KM (An asymmetric tyre for soft surfaces with low levels of grip)
Size: ( R15 195/70 , 205/65 )

It is suited above all to damp, wet and at the limit muddy conditions. Usable
also in dry conditions on inconsistent, loose or sandy ground. Less suited to compact and fast routes.
The tread pattern derives from the K. The reduced width of the tread and the pattern with more voids
ensure the correct balance between performance and road holding on surfaces with a low grip.
The less rigid construction allows excellent adaptation of the tyre to the ground and provides easier
steering, above all on very winding routes, where a good level of adherence is needed also on irregular
surfaces.
Available in different compounds for use in different weather conditions and with different levels of
adherence to the ground.

6. XR (For heavy-duty use on gravel, with low averages speeds)

Size: ( R15 205/65 , 225/55 )

For particularly uneven ground, it is also highly recommended for mixed off/onroad routes, on hard, compact and abrasive surfaces. Thanks to its internal structure, specially designed to
ensure easy steering and excellent resistance to stresses, it is particularly resistant to impact. The tread
and sidewall profiles are designed to strengthen the structure in these areas and to ensure the maximum
integrity of the tyre . The symmetric tread ensures excellent stability on clean and abrasive surfaces. On
the contrary, on surfaces covered by sand and gravel, it does not offer high directionality owing to the
very compact tread pattern. Excellent resistance to wear thanks to the robustness of the design of the
blocks
and
the
profile.
Available in different compounds for use in different weather conditions and with different levels of
adherence to the ground.

7. P ZERO (An asymmetric tyre whose outer shoulder guarantees optimal contact on curves)
Size: ( R18 235/40 )

While the inner part allows the tyre to work correctly even on wet asphalt when
there is a potential risk of aquaplaning.The Pirelli P Zero asphalt tyre for the WRC can be used on both dry
and wet road surfaces.Two compounds are foreseen, to cover an extremely wide range of conditions:
a soft compound, especially for damp or wet asphalt,
dry but cold weather
a hard compound, developed instead for courses with
medium or high temperatures.

8. SCORPION

on
more

smooth

surface

and

for

abrasive

asphalt

and

for

(Asymmetric and directional pattern design based on Pirellis many years of experience
rallies and gravel roads)
Size: ( R15 205/65 )

For performance on hard, compact ground as well as in mud or on soft, sandy

terrain.These tyres have an extremely strong structure with reinforcements concentrated in the sidewall areas.
The new construction also uses solutions linked to the run flat technology: apart from reducing the risk of
punctures to a minimum, the purpose is to allow the car which gets a puncture in a special stage, to finish the race
without accumulating excessive delay and without damaging the mechanics and bodywork of the car.
Two compounds have been developed for the Pirelli Scorpion gravel tyre:
a soft compound for soft surfaces and mud
a hard compound for more compact terrain and also for high temperatures that is also more effective in the case
of very abrasive surfaces.