2019 Pirelli Motorsport Media Guide 2019 Pirelli Motorsport Media Guide

2019 PIRELLI MOTORSPORT MEDIA GUIDE 2019 PIRELLI MOTORSPORT MEDIA GUIDE

Contents

1. Introduction 2. Pirelli’s key people in 2019 3. Formula 1 regulations for 2019 in brief 4. Meet the 2019 Formula 1 compounds 6. How will the Formula 1 tyre regulations work? 7. The 2019 Formula 1 circuits and their tyre characteristics 10. The life of a competition tyre 11. The barcode: each tyre’s ‘passport’ 12. Formula 2 and Formula 3 13. GT and other competitions 14. Rally 15. Formula 4 and other regional series 16. From racetrack to road 17. Race Tyre System: Pirelli’s unique database 18. Pirelli and motorsport marketing 19. The evolution of Pirelli’s technology 21. How motorsport benefits Pirelli’s road car tyres 22. Pirelli Collezione 23. Pirelli media contacts and social media INTRODUCTION

ince Pirelli began as sole out a specific test programme only three colours at every is supporting the careers of tyre supplier to Formula during 2019 as we prepare for race; with white being hard, young drivers. Not only do we S1’s latest era from 2011, 2020. The following year, 2021, yellow being medium and red supply the FIA Formula 2 and the tyre range has been will herald the introduction of being soft. This should make newly-created FIA Formula renewed for every season; 18-inch tyres for Formula 1 – the sport a little easier to 3 championships alongside either with new compounds, after decades of 13-inch tyres. follow for the casual fan, while F1, but we also equip the new new constructions, or both. retaining enough technical Formula Regional European The 2019 season is no Even though that’s two years detail for those who want to Championship F3 cars and exception, with a fresh range away, we’ll be starting work track the finer points of various Formula 4 series. of five slick compounds, as on this right now, although tyre strategy. From the grass roots to the well as a revised wet tyre and the exact technical regulations pinnacle of motorsport, Pirelli intermediate tyre. from 2021 onwards are not But there’s much more to is a constant presence. yet completely defined. Last Pirelli in motorsport than It’s not just the tyres that year, a renewal of our current F1 alone. This year, we’re have changed for 2019, as F1 contract was announced, increasing our presence in GT there have been some new which means that Pirelli will racing, the form of motorsport technical rules too, which be F1’s global tyre partner closest to premium and have been designed to make until at least 2023. prestige cars that come it easier to overtake and equipped with Pirelli tyres in help the show. The effect of With Pirelli being the over 50% of cases throughout these changes on lap times market leader for ultra high the world. This expansion has remains to be seen, which has performance road cars, as well happened in the emerging been one of the challenges as a brand synonymous with Asian market in particular, associated with developing style, luxury and technology, underlining Pirelli’s status as the latest range of tyres. Formula 1 is the perfect fit the premier supplier to GT3 for us, which is why we’re series throughout the world, Our 2019 tyre compounds delighted to be associated as well as the growing were informed by a series with the sport for many years GT4 category. of test days involving every into the future. We’re also team throughout the 2018 slimming down the options to As always, a cornerstone of season, and we’ll be carrying just five slick compounds and Pirelli’s motorsport philosophy

1 PIRELLI’S KEY PEOPLE IN 2019

he 55 or so people returning to Italy in 2012, he while also managing Pirelli’s Stefano Bizzi analysis methods for the development department of who form the Pirelli F1 worked in the Moto Business return to single-seater racing Head of Motorsport Research company. More recently, he Pirelli’s consumer division, Trace team are only the Unit as Controller and later in GP3. In 2011 Mario became and Development has been responsible for finite working with future forefront of the hundreds of became Chief Operating Pirelli’s racing manager, element model development compounds for cars, SUVs, people who work on Pirelli’s Officer of Pirelli’s Industrial in charge of day-to-day for Formula 1 tyres as well as vans and motorbikes, as well Formula 1 campaign, many Design project. After following operations on the track for development of wind tunnel as motorsport. of whose efforts behind the the New Pirelli Industrial Formula 1 as well as all other tyres: vital tools for teams to scenes go unnoticed by the initiative, in 2016, he took on motorsport activities. work with as they refine their Roberto Boccafogli general public. At Pirelli’s the role of Chief Commercial cars. Massimo heads up the F1 Head of F1 Marketing and HQ in Milan, Italy, there are Officer of the Business Marco Marioni Stefano comes to motorsport Modelling department, which Media Relations hundreds of people working Unit Prestige, consolidating Motorsport Chief from Pirelli’s renowned brings together all the different not only in the research and relations with some of the Technical Officer prestige division, where he was areas and technologies involved development department, but most important international responsible for creating tyres in modelling Formula 1 tyres, also on motorsport marketing, car manufacturers. for some of the world’s most providing accurate performance communication and activation. famous car manufacturers, analysis that can also be Mario Isola the majority of which choose used for F1 simulators and Giovanni Tronchetti Provera Head of F1 and Car Racing Pirelli to equip their flagship generating data for the future. Roberto re-joined Pirelli Head of Motorsport and models. This experience of in 2014, having previously Prestige Marco, who studied engineering cutting-edge research and Francesco Romani worked for the company’s in Milan, has been with Pirelli development is now at the Compound Development press office within both since 1986 in a variety of roles disposal of Pirelli’s motorsport Manager motorsport and product all over the world. Starting his department as Stefano joins communications areas. He’s career in logistics, he became for the 2019 season, with a passionate enthusiast and Mario, born in Milan, started business manager and the mission of improving the published author: having his career in motorsport as a manufacturing director, before current Formula 1 product and been a journalist since 1981, Giovanni joined Pirelli in 2008 test driver for Pirelli’s road car heading up Pirelli’s supply also developing tyres for the he started following Formula 1 but takes on a new motorsport tyres, and the sensitivity of chain and quality divisions. brand-new regulations that will in 1986 and since then he has role this season, reinforcing the his touch meant that he was This gave him a 360-degree make their debut in 2021. Francesco also joined Pirelli covered about 300 grands strong links between Pirelli’s soon drafted into the R&D vision of the company’s in 2000, and he has worked prix for both the written press prestige road car products and division, designing road car processes, to the highest Massimo Donatellis in motorsport since 2003. and television. Roberto is competition. His experience tyres before heading over to standards. He brought these Head of Motorsport Francesco co-ordinates also responsible for Formula in the company began in the motorsport. He was initially skills to motorsport by taking Modelling, Formula 1 Formula 1 materials production 1 activation, making the most United Kingdom, following the involved in designing tyres for responsibility for all technical and development work carried of Pirelli’s presence in Formula process of engineering and the GT cars and then moved onto activities regarding Pirelli’s out by Pirelli’s research facilities 1 to the wider world. These industrialisation of the product. managing Pirelli’s sportscar motorsport programmes, from worldwide. He is also include activities such as the In 2010, he moved to Russia, campaigns in the FIA GT Formula 1 to production-based responsible for product F1 Pirelli Hot Laps programme, where he acquired experience Championship. From 2006 categories. Away from the analysis both off the track and where lucky guests are driven with production facilities and he moved over to rallying, track, Marco enjoys classic on it, using a mobile laboratory around the F1 circuits in deepened his knowledge of overseeing Pirelli’s tenure cars: like most people who Since joining Pirelli in 2000, that is taken to every race. supercars by a racing the manufacturing world and of the exclusive tyre supply work in Pirelli, he lives his Massimo has directed the Since 2016, Francesco has driver, during the actual industrial processes. After contract from 2008-2010 passion on a day to day basis. development of new structural also led the compound race weekend. 2 FORMULA 1 REGULATIONS FOR 2019 IN BRIEF

he actual tyre rules similar to last year’s, Here’s a quick summary of one set after the first 40 themselves don’t involving all the teams. As the sporting regulations minutes of FP1, one set at Tchange from 2018 was the case in 2018, Pirelli relating to tyres in 2019: the end of FP1, two sets to 2019, but cornering and will again be able to test at the end of FP2 and two lap speeds will be affected with current cars. However, o Pirelli will still provide sets at the end of FP3. by the new aerodynamic the tyres have a somewhat three different This leaves them with regulations – with simpler different look to them, with compounds of slick seven sets available for wings and barge boards only five compounds and tyre for teams to use qualifying and the race – as well as an increased three colours used during at each race weekend. (which must include the fuel allowance. 2019 (white for hard, yellow The number of slick sets mandatory sets). for medium and red for provided for each car During the course of the soft). As a result, there will during a weekend will o Teams must communicate 2019 season, Pirelli will be new graphics as well, remain at 13. their compound choices continue to test for 2020 in making tyre choice and to the FIA eight weeks in a private testing programme. strategy easier to follow. o Pirelli will select two advance of each European sets that must remain race and 14 weeks before available for the race, the start of each flyaway while a set of the softest race. Decisions will be kept compound will also be secret until two weeks put aside for the final before a race. part of qualifying. Teams can make up their 10 This year, the Formula 1 remaining sets from calendar features 21 races the three compounds all over the world, starting available at each race. in Melbourne, Australia, on March 17. The final round o The choices teams make of the series takes place in can be different for each Abu Dhabi on December of its cars. 1 – making 2019 one of the longest Formula 1 seasons o Drivers must continue to in recent history.Dhabi on use at least two different December 1 – making 2019 compounds during a one of the longest dry race. Formula 1 seasons in recent history. o As usual teams will continue to hand back tyres to Pirelli over the course of the weekend: 3 MEET THE 2019 FORMULA 1 COMPOUNDS

Dry weather compounds

Size: 305/670-13 (front), 405/670-13 (rear)

Each compound doesn’t have a permanent allocated colour this year: instead they are numbered C1 to C5, with C1 being the hardest and C5 being the softest. The characteristics of the tyres have also changed slightly, designed to increase resistance to overheating and provide greater consistency over the course of a stint.

C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C1 stands for Compound C2 means Compound This tyre is equivalent This is closest to the The softest 2019 1, and it’s the hardest 2, effectively last to the soft that was 2018 ultrasoft and it compound is tyre in the 2019 Pirelli year’s medium tyre. A nominated in all but works well on tight and the heir to the range, sitting just below versatile compound, four of the races last twisty circuits. It has universally-popular the 2018 hard in terms but sitting at the harder year. It strikes a very a rapid warm-up and hypersoft: the fastest of compounding. It’s part of the spectrum, good balance between huge peak performance, compound that Pirelli designed for circuits that it comes into its own performance and but the other side of has ever made. This tyre put the highest energy on circuits that tend durability, with the this is its relatively is suitable for all circuits loadings through the towards high speeds, accent on performance. limited overall life. that demand high tyres, which will typically temperatures, and It’s a very adaptable However, the improved levels of mechanical feature fast corners, energy loadings. This tyre that can be used as consistency of this grip, but the trade-off abrasive surfaces, or high tyre has demonstrated the softest compound year’s compounds for this extra speed ambient temperatures. an ample working range at a high-severity track should mean that the and adhesion is a The compound takes and adaptability to as well as the hardest softer rubber is capable considerably shorter longer to warm up a wide variety of compound at a of more versatile use. lifespan than the other but offers maximum different circuits. low-severity track tyres in the range. durability and provides or street circuit. Getting the most out low degradation. of it will be a key to race strategy.

4 MEET THE 2019 FORMULA 1 COMPOUNDS

Wet weather compounds

The wet and intermediate tyres have been redesigned this year with new tread patterns and structures. This makes them more efficient and also more versatile. As a result, there are no longer two specifications of wet and intermediate tyre in 2019: instead just one wet tyre and one intermediate tyre to suit all circuits and conditions. Unlike the slick tyres, the colours are unchanged this year, and they continue to be branded Cinturato, in homage to a name that has been synonymous with safety and control since the 1950s.

Intermediate (green) Wet (blue) The intermediates are The full wet tyres are the most versatile of the most effective the rain tyres. They solution for heavy can be used on a wet rain. These tyres can track with no standing evacuate 85 litres of water, as well as a water per second per drying surface. This tyre tyre at 300kph. There’s evacuates 30 litres of a new profile designed water per second per to increase resistance tyre at 300kph. There’s to aquaplaning, which a new compound that will give the tyre more is designed to expand grip in heavy rain. The the working range, diameter of the full wet guaranteeing a proper tyre is 10mm wider than crossover both with the the slick tyre. slicks and the full wets.

Size: 305/675-13 (front), Size: 305/680-13 (front), 405/675-13 (rear). 405/680-13 (rear).

5 HOW WILL THE 2019 F1 TYRE REGULATIONS WORK?

he tyre markings are markings to tell the five There is no specific ‘qualifying all-new for this year, but compounds apart. tyre’, but as it is the softest Thow about everything of the trio of compounds else? Here’s everything you Is the total number of sets available then it is frequently wanted to know about tyres… of tyres available over a used in Q3. And of course, all but never dared to ask. weekend still the same? three nominated compounds Yes, this hasn’t changed. There are intended to be viable are still 13 sets of dry-weather options for the race. The Why just three colours for tyres available over a weekend drivers who don’t get this year? per driver. Of the 13 sets, two through to Q3 can keep the It’s just to make it easier are chosen by Pirelli to remain mandatory Q3 set and use it for casual fans to follow, available for the race, which in the race. while maintaining a level could be either the same or of technical detail for the differing compounds. However, Does the stipulation that hardcore devotees. Some there is only a requirement to drivers have to start races on Does the ‘mandatory race tyre supplied with the options a stint. They will also have five people found the seven use one of those obligatory their Q2 tyres still apply? specification’ mean it’s not week earlier. kilograms more fuel in 2019, different colours of slicks sets. A set of the softest Yes, the regulations state: really a free tyre choice? which should lead to less and wide range of names compound available is also set “at the start of the race each There is a free choice because In short, how will tyre strategy fuel-saving. last year a bit confusing, aside for Q3. Those who don’t car that qualified for Q3 while Pirelli is selecting two in an average 2019 grand prix so this streamlines the get through to Q3 carry them must be fitted with the tyres sets of tyres to be made be different to tyre strategy in Do the 2019 tyres feature the whole process. over into the race. Of the 10 with which the driver set his available for each race, there an average 2018 grand prix? thinner gauge tread seen at remaining sets, teams/drivers fastest time during Q2.” are still another 10 available It’s hard to know exactly three races last year? Why those colours – white, choose what they would for a team and driver to go as because the cars will be Yes, as this was proven to yellow and red? like from the three Can all three nominated tyre aggressive or as conservative a bit different, with less help reduce overheating. Three reasons. Firstly, these are available compounds. compounds be used in a race? as they wish. downforce. This has been iconic Pirelli colours. Secondly, Yes – and we’ve seen this designed to help promote When are the new 18-inch tests have shown that they will Will teams still have to hand happen quite a few times. Do the early deadlines mean overtaking and make it tyres being introduced and stand out best on television back one of their sets after 40 drivers are committing to tyre easier for the cars to follow when will they be tested? and, finally, they represent a minutes of first practice? Do the same rules apply strategies months ahead of each other. Generally, the The 18-inch tyres will be logical sequence: the warmer Yes. The teams have to hand for the minimum use of a a race? teams will probably still introduced for the 2021 the colour, the softer back one set after 40 minutes compound in each race? Effectively, yes, because aim for one-stop strategies season, along with new the compound. of the first free practice The rules simply state “each teams must inform the whenever possible as this technical regulations. Work session (FP1), but they get to driver must use at least two FIA eight weeks before tends to be the most on designing these tyres has What about for testing when choose which one. different specifications of the start of a European risk-free tactic in a race. already started, with on-track all five compounds are present: dry-weather tyres during the event, and 14 weeks before The nominations have been testing beginning next year. how do you tell them apart? Is the ‘mandatory Q3 race.” So even if it’s one lap on a non-European race, the designed to be a bit more We’ve got a system where tyre’ effectively a tyre for a set of softs and 50 or more quantities of the three conservative this year, which we’ll use all three colours qualifying and can it be used laps on a set of mediums, compounds they wish to use should mean that the drivers but with different sidewall in the race too? that’s still within the rules. at that event, after being can push harder within a 6 THE 2019 FORMULA 1 CIRCUITS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

Australian Grand Prix to a strong qualifying and Azerbaijan Grand Prix traditionally one of the most Canadian Grand Prix Located in Le Castellet, near (17 March) race pace. The grand prix (28 April) challenging circuits of the (9 June) Marseille in southeast France, starts in the late afternoon, season for tyres, which is Circuit Paul Ricard returned so temperatures fall as the particularly hard work for the to the calendar last year, race goes on, affecting left-hand tyres, especially in featuring a long straight and tyre behaviour. The race is Turn 3. Resurfacing last year a wide variety of technical followed by the first had a big impact on the track corners. Paul Ricard also The Australian Grand Prix is a in-season test. characteristics, reducing marked the start of Formula race loved by teams and fans Baku is the fastest street wear and degradation. The The iconic Circuit Gilles 1’s first-ever triple header in alike. The atmosphere is great, Chinese Grand Prix circuit on the calendar, second in-season test takes Villeneuve is a semi- 2018, but much to the relief the weather is usually warm, (14 April) running through the centre place following this race. permanent track, of most of the teams, this has and the track is close to the of the Azerbaijani capital, infrequently used during now been removed for 2019. vibrant city of Melbourne. with some tight 90-degree Monaco Grand Prix the year, which means Like Barcelona, a new surface With the Australian circuit corners as well as a few (26 May) that at the beginning of was laid last year, but some being a semi-permanent straights. The track was the weekend the track is areas of the track have been facility, there is a high level designed by renowned very ‘green’ and slippery. resurfaced again for 2019. of track evolution as the circuit architect Hermann However, there is plenty weekend goes on. The Shanghai International Tilke and incorporates a of track evolution as more Austrian Grand Prix Circuit has hosted some number of unique features rubber gets laid down (30 June) Bahrain Grand Prix thrilling and unpredictable such as an extremely narrow throughout the weekend. (31 March) races in the past and a uphill section, and a straight Monaco is probably the most This track puts a lot of wide variety of pit stop that runs the length of the famous race of the season, longitudinal stress through strategies can work at this seaside promenade. taking place on a street the tyres and is very track. Although ambient circuit in the Principality. It demanding in terms of temperatures can be Spanish Grand Prix is also the slowest and least braking and traction. The quite low and the surface (12 May) abrasive circuit of the year. surface provides little grip, Austria re-joined the calendar is relatively smooth, tyre Tyre wear is low: mechanical which can lead to the cars in 2014, having been absent degradation is sometimes grip and high levels of low- sliding more. The rear tyres since 2003. As the Red Bull Bahrain is very tough on high due to the unique speed downforce are very are particularly stressed at Ring in its latest incarnation, rear tyres in particular with track layout. Overall, it is a important here. Overtaking this track, due to the traction it now features two main a high level of traction and demanding circuit for the is nearly impossible, putting required out of the low and straights and mostly sharp grip required for a good tyres: especially the front- Barcelona is extremely well the emphasis on qualifying. medium speed corners. corners. As a result, average lap time. As it is located left. The heavy braking that known to all the drivers With limited run-off areas This year, a new paddock speeds are generally low, in the desert, it is quite is a characteristic of this and teams because of and a high risk of incidents complex is planned. meaning that the cars have common to have sand track tends to put more the many tests that have the safety car has often to rely on mechanical grip on the track, which can strain on the front tyres than been held there, including influenced the race outcome French Grand Prix from the tyres more than lower the grip levels, in the rears. Some graining both pre-season tests at this track in the past. (23 June) aerodynamic downforce. particular at the start of is also possible as the this year. The circuit itself Because most of the corners a session. This is a track tyres cool down on the has several medium to are right-handers, the tyres where tyre management is long straights. high speed corners that on the left of the car do important, with rear traction test every aspect of a the majority of the work. in particular being the key tyre’s performance. It is However, the pair of corners 7 THE 2019 FORMULA 1 CIRCUITS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

that actually take the most Hockenheim is characterised to getting the most out of Italian Grand Prix run under powerful spotlights, compounds in the range are energy out of the tyres are by slow to medium speed the compound. Overtaking (8 September) with 23 corners. The circuit usually nominated. the two left-handers. corners connected by fast is traditionally difficult at itself is low-grip and slippery; straights. Traction and this track, so drivers have an evolving considerably Japanese Grand Prix British Grand Prix braking are therefore key, opportunity to use strategy as more rubber gets laid (13 October) (14 July) with lots of acceleration and to gain track position. down. Average speeds are deceleration. Looking after contained, so degradation is the rear tyres is important, Belgian Grand Prix not usually an issue provided even though a very smooth (1 September) The Italian Grand Prix is that wheelspin – which can surface helps to limit Pirelli’s home grand prix, as lead to overheating and degradation. There are some Monza is just half an hour blistering – is controlled fast corners too: in particular from company headquarters out of the slower corners. Suzuka is a little less Silverstone is another Turn 5, a protracted left- in Milan. There is always a The softest compounds are aggressive on the tyres than challenging track for the hander that forms the special atmosphere thanks usually well suited for this in the past, but the circuit tyres, with the new surface longest high-speed section to so many passionate fans, race, and the fact that the is still a difficult one for the laid last year not meeting on the circuit and where the Spa-Francorchamps is the most of which support high temperatures tend to fall rubber because of the track with universal acclaim: most energy goes through longest and one of the most just one team: Ferrari. The as the race goes on can put layout. It contains a wide some drivers described the tyres. iconic circuits on the Formula track is characterised by an interesting spin on strategy. variety of fast and flowing it as extremely bumpy. 1 calendar, characterised by very high speeds and heavy corners that place high lateral Here, aerodynamics play a Hungarian Grand Prix extreme demands. It is the braking, putting a lot of Russian Grand Prix loads on the tyre but there more important role than (4 August) track that puts the highest energy through the tyres, (29 September) are also some heavy braking mechanical grip, due to a peak vertical load on the so the cars run the lowest areas and tighter corners. high average speed. The tyres during the season, for downforce levels of the year. The first half of the lap is circuit takes in a variety of example, in the famous Eau There are also a number of essentially a non-stop series very high-speed corners Rouge to Raidillon section. high kerbs, which mean that of corners, which put plenty with some slower and more The undulating surface at the tyres have to constantly of heat through the tyres with complex sections. There Spa also means that the tyres absorb heavy structural no significant straights where is always a risk of rain in work hard as part of the car’s impacts. Overall, this track Sochi is a medium-speed they can cool down. Silverstone but when dry, Hungary is a twisty track suspension, placing heavy puts some of the highest circuit with a variety of temperatures can be quite and the slowest permanent demands on the structure. speeds through the tyres different corners, including Mexican Grand Prix high, meaning that a versatile circuit of the year, which On top of this, the weather that they will face all year. one left-hander that has (27 October) compound choice is required does not make it any easier can be very changeable. been inspired by the long for this track. on the tyres. This means Because the track is so long, Singapore Grand Prix triple apex Turn 8 at Istanbul that much more heat is put it is not unusual for it to be (22 September) Park. In total there are 12 German Grand Prix through the tyres than on raining on one part of the right and six left-hand (28 July) a fast and flowing layout circuit but dry in another. corners, with a 650-metre because the tyres are moving Strategy can make a key straight between the first around more: particularly difference here. and second turns. There has Mexico swaps places with when it is hot, which is often been little track evolution the United States Grand Prix the case here. Therefore, over the years and the this year, the only shake-up in balancing the demands of Singapore is the season’s only surface is low-severity, as a the order of races compared speed and durability is key race held completely at night, result of which the softest to 2018.The highlights of 8 THE 2019 FORMULA 1 CIRCUITS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS the Autodromo Hermanos changes of direction that are host the season end and Rodriguez in Mexico City another key characteristic of possibly even the include a very long pit the 5.513-kilometre Circuit title-decider. The track straight and a huge stadium of the Americas. Weather is surface is generally smooth, section in the last part of the often a factor, with hurricane so degradation is low. The lap, converted from a former season in Texas. circuit provides a variety baseball ground, which of speeds and corners, so also hosts a unique podium Brazilian Grand Prix the tyres have to withstand ceremony. At an altitude of (17 November) a wide range of different 2200 metres, the rarefied demands, but none of them air could produce some of are particularly severe. As the highest top speeds of the race starts late in the the year. As well as low drag, afternoon and continues there’s not much downforce into dusk, ambient and track generated. Mechanical grip temperatures tend to fall from the tyres is key, so Brazil is Pirelli’s biggest as the race goes on, softer compounds are single-country market which alters the usual often nominated. outside Italy, so this grand strategy calculations. prix is always very busy for United States Grand Prix us. The track is one of the (3 November) shortest but also one of the most challenging of the year. There are some big elevation changes and it can be bumpy, which makes it hard for the tyres to find traction Now coming a week and increases the physical after Mexico, the United demands on the drivers. The States Grand Prix has track was resurfaced quite already established itself recently, which had an effect as a favourite of teams on wear and degradation. and spectators. The track contains a variety of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix elevations, plus some slow (1 December) and technical sections alternating with very fast parts. It’s a good test of a tyre’s all-round ability, with traction demands out of slow corners just as important as lateral grip As has been the case in through the high-speed recent years, Abu Dhabi will 9 THE LIFE OF A COMPETITION TYRE

n Milan, the home of all the stresses to which the and a geometric check. A Pirelli, around 150 research tyres are subjected. Once random sample of tyres is Iengineers work exclusively various laboratory tests have additionally taken from on Formula 1 – and many been concluded, the tyres each batch to check more in other areas of then get to experience a structural integrity via a motorsport. The starting real circuit. The tyres that destructive test. points are the physics have successfully made it and chemistry labs, where through the track tests are The tyre is then ready for new compounds and then eligible to form part of dispatch to a race or test. structures are tested. There the final selection offered to These exacting principles, are about 100 elements teams for racing. used in Formula 1, are the in each tyre and 18 same for other types of structural components. Once the tyre is assembled competition tyre, seen in a at the factory, the barcode wide variety of races and At the motorsport factory – which acts as the tyre’s rallies all over the world. in Romania (with a back-up ‘passport’ – is affixed to the factory in Turkey), physical tyre. This contains all the prototypes are built on relevant data about the tyre the basis of the virtual and allows its usage to be model, with the compounds tracked from production produced at Pirelli’s Settimo to race. Torinese plant in Italy. This is when the theory gets The next step, the turned into practice: the vulcanisation period during compounds and structure which the tyre is ‘cooked’, are tailor-made, and all the determines the definitive components are finally characteristics of the put together. compound and structure. It also seals in the barcode. The first physical tests take place at Pirelli’s Finally, there is quality experimental test centre in control, which takes in a Milan, where sophisticated visual check, weight check machines simulate every and an x-ray scan of the tyre. race condition and measure There is also shearography 10 THE BARCODE: EACH TYRE’S ‘PASSPORT’

irelli will once more in the United Kingdom. database that every engineer bring around 1800 Once they arrive there, an works off allows the engineer Ptyres to each grand FIA official receives a list of to see only information prix in 2019. They are barcodes, which relate to the relating specifically to his or allocated to the teams tyres that will be taken to her team over the weekend, randomly with the help of a the next grand prix. The FIA so that individual strategies barcode; a process carried then allocates barcodes – are not compromised. out by the FIA, the sport’s and therefore tyres – to each Development data is governing body. individual team at random. overseen by Pirelli’s senior engineers, who monitor all The tyres are manufactured Pirelli itself is not involved in the information in order to at Pirelli’s state of the this process at all, meaning assist the research team in art motorsport facilities that the Italian firm cannot charge of shaping the next in Romania. During the influence which tyres are generation of tyres. production process, allocated to which teams – each tyre is allocated a although a rigorous quality barcode provided by the control process ensures FIA. This barcode is the that all the tyres leaving the tyre’s ‘passport’, which factory are entirely identical. is embedded firmly into the structure during the Once at the circuit, the tyres vulcanisation process and are then allocated to the cannot be swapped. The teams in strict compliance code contains all the details with the list that has been of each tyre, making it previously prepared by the traceable throughout the FIA. The barcodes allow race weekend with Pirelli’s both the FIA and Pirelli to RTS (Racing Tyre System) ensure that the right teams, software, which can read according to the regulations, and update all the data. are using the correct tyres.

For European events, the Each team is allocated a tyres are then transported Pirelli engineer, who works to Pirelli’s logistics and exclusively with that team distribution hub at Didcot for all of the year, but the 11 FORMULA 2 AND FORMULA 3

Formula 2 weekend, each car has five their 13-inch size, while in the future. The Formula 2 sets of slick tyres available. tyre regulations are also tyres are produced at Pirelli’s irelli has been the These comprise three sets unchanged compared to cutting-edge competition exclusive tyre supplier of the harder of the two 2018. The tyres are built tyre factory in Slatina, Pto the FIA Formula 2 nominated compounds with a different philosophy Romania. Tyre research Championship (previously and two sets of the softer to those in Formula 1 and and development is carried known as GP2) since 2011 compound. Three sets of are designed to make sure out by specialists based – the same year that the wet-weather tyres are also that the emphasis is always at Pirelli’s headquarters in Italian firm returned to available for each car on high performance Milan, while the company’s Formula 1. In 2017, GP2 if required. with a high level of motorsport logistics facility became Formula 2. deliberate degradation. is located in Didcot, United made specifically for it. support of GP3 extended Teams and drivers can use Kingdom. A dedicated team There will be three different beyond just providing tyres, At each Formula 2 round, their tyre allocations as they Pirelli’s Formula 2 tyres are looks after the Formula 2 and compounds of P Zero slick and the same will be true in Pirelli supplies two different wish, but each car must use designed to be extremely Formula 3 tyres, separate to tyre for Formula 3 – hard, Formula 3. The Italian firm slick compounds from its both compounds of slick versatile, adapting well to the Formula 1 team, but using medium and soft – with one will continue to offer an range, which is made up of a tyre during the feature race a variety of different track many of the lessons learned to be nominated for use at incentive of 200,000 Euros total of four slick compounds (unless it is declared a wet temperatures, top speeds from the top category. each race weekend. There to this year’s Formula 3 with new colours for this race), just as is the case in and downforce levels, as well is also a single wet weather champion if they graduate to year: P Zero White (hard), Formula 1 races. There is one as a wide range of lateral and Formula 3 tyre. At each race weekend, Formula 2 in 2020. P Zero Yellow (medium), mandatory pit-stop during longitudinal loadings. They every driver receives four P Zero Red (soft) and P this race when the teams are also adapted for use irelli will be the sets of slick tyres and two Pirelli has also been Zero Purple (supersoft). In must change tyres. Pit-stops without tyre blankets, which exclusive tyre supplier sets of wet weather tyres. appointed as official tyre addition, there is also a in the sprint race are optional. have always been prohibited Pfor the new FIA Sometimes, one of the slick supplier to the Formula wet-weather tyre, which The Formula 2 tyres remain in the series – and look set Formula 3 Championship. sets will be a ‘carryover’ set Regional European has blue markings. At a race the same this year, including to be a feature of Formula 1 This takes the place of GP3, from the previous round. Championship. This new which was supplied solely by A key consideration in the series bridges the gap Pirelli for its duration from design of the new Formula 3 between Formula 4 – at 2010 until 2018. In fact, Pirelli car was to help create more the grass roots level of entered GP3 one year before exciting races. motorsport – and the FIA Formula 1. The new Formula Formula 3 Championship, 3 championship has a The same is true of the tyres, providing a natural route brand-new car, revealed in which feature an element into grand prix weekends, Abu Dhabi last year, which of deliberate degradation, as well as providing an combines features of the similar to Formula 2. The organic ladder of talent that old GP3 car with those of a tyres are also designed stretches all the way to traditional F3 car, including to adapt well to a wide the top. increased aerodynamics. variety of different track Pirelli has been closely temperatures, top speeds involved in the car’s and downforce levels, as well development process and as a wide range of lateral and has designed a range of tyres longitudinal loadings. Pirelli’s 12 GT AND OTHER COMPETITIONS

irelli is active in endurance and sprint races. enabling promising talents more than 220 car But there are a number of to come to the attention of Pchampionships over different classes within manufacturers and progress all five continents. These it depending on the their careers. diverse programmes range driver’s category. from open competition – Pirelli also continues to with up to 20 manufacturers The sprint races will also support the Intercontinental represented – to important now form part of the GT Challenge powered by single-make trophies new Blancpain GT World Pirelli, another SRO initiative featuring the world’s top Challenge, together with which this year expands to marques such as the Ferrari the recently-established cover five events: one on Challenge, Audi R8 LMS series in Asia and the North each continent. This takes Cup and Lamborghini American championship that in the Spa 24 Hours as well Super Trofeo. was formerly known as the as the Bathurst 12 Hours Pirelli World Challenge, which and events at Laguna Seca, Germany, Italian GT Italy for the first time with supplies stock car series, the GT racing makes up a large now also comes under the Suzuka and – new for this Championship, Australian the creation of the Ferrari biggest of which is Stock Car proportion of Pirelli’s racing Blancpain banner. year – Kyalami in GT championship and Super Challenge UK. Brasil, which has featured activities and provides the South Africa. Taikyu in Japan. several former F1 drivers company with its biggest The partnership with The product supplied including Rubens Barrichello. single event of the year: the SRO in the United States Pirelli has additionally The manufacturers by Pirelli for GT racing is The championship has a Spa 24 Hours in Belgium, becomes even closer with equipped the FIA GT World represented in GT racing the P Zero slick, in DHD2 huge following throughout the jewel in the crown of the the establishment of the Cup in Macau and the FIA include some of the world’s specification for the top South America, making it Blancpain GT Series. Pirelli new Pirelli GT4 America GT Nations Cup, which had top marques, such as championships. This is a key motorsport activity supplies more than 13,000 series. Using cars closer to its first edition in Bahrain Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, mostly used as a hard for Pirelli. In North America tyres, all for GT3, to 65 showroom-specification, the at the end of 2018 and McLaren, Mercedes compound and is extremely Pirelli supports the Trans Am competitors over the whole GT4 category has grown this year moves to Pirelli’s and Porsche. With both versatile despite the Series, and it’s not exactly a event. If you thought that rapidly over recent seasons, home territory in Italy, at performance and durability diverse requirements of all GT championship, but Pirelli the Formula 1 operation was with Pirelli also equipping the Vallelunga circuit near key to success in GT racing, the different circuits, race even supplies truck racing in big, you should see what the SRO-promoted GT4 Rome. At national level, these competitions are a distances, manufacturers South America: undoubtedly happens in GT… European Series. The the company’s supply perfect fit for the Italian tyre and vehicle architectures the biggest competition GT4 class represents an agreements include the manufacturer. involved. For wet conditions, vehicles that the Italian The main GT championships important part of Pirelli’s British GT Championship, there is also a grooved tyre manufacturer equips… that Pirelli is involved in are focus on young drivers, ADAC GT Masters in The Ferrari Challenge and with a tread specifically those promoted by SRO, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, designed to evacuate starting with the Blancpain exclusively equipped by water in the most efficient GT Series. This uses GT3 Pirelli, host championships way possible. Some of the and GT4 cars: similar to on three different continents world’s best-known driving the supercars seen on the (America, Europe and Asia) aces have used Pirelli’s GT road, for which Pirelli also bringing truly global visibility racing products with plenty supplies original equipment. to all the brands involved. of success, including Alex In Europe, the successful This year Ferrari organises Zanardi, who has competed Blancpain formula continues a one-make series in a in the Blancpain GT series 13 in 2019 featuring a mix of specific country other than with Pirelli. Pirelli also RALLY

irelli has a proud history of success Pin rallying, which remains firmly rooted in the company’s DNA. Pirelli was present in the World Rally Championship when it began in 1973 and has since claimed 25 titles. Last year, the Italian firm returned to the WRC, with a particular focus on helping to develop the next generation of driving talent by exclusively supplying the Junior World Rally Championship.

Junior World Rally Championship drivers compete in identical cars. For this year, a brand-new turbocharged version demands, including for the The JWRC champion Pirelli exclusively supplies which is growing in of the Ford Fiesta R2T tyres. As well as equipping receives a Ford Fiesta R5 to the ERC3 Junior category popularity. Following on makes its debut, developed the Junior series, Pirelli also use in WRC2 the following (formerly Under 27) for R2 from its success with Italian by M-Sport Poland and makes tyres for the WRC2 year, together with a Pirelli machinery, while the ERC1 champion Simone Faggioli, equipped once more with championship: just one rung tyre package. The 2018 Junior category for R5 Pirelli has developed tyres Pirelli tyres. below the headlining World champion Emil Bergkvist cars features open specifically suitable for Rally Car class. will compete with Pirelli’s tyre competition. the varying conditions of This year’s JWRC will be support in this year’s hillclimb competition. These fought over five full events Pirelli supplies Sottozero Ice WRC2 championship. Historic rallying is another set a new record at the epic within the WRC: Sweden, studded tyres for snow, P important part of Pirelli’s Pikes Peak hillclimb last year, Corsica, Sardinia, Finland Zero tyres for asphalt and Pirelli’s commitment to programme, with success with Faggioli setting a new and Wales. Covering snow, Scorpion tyres for gravel. supporting young rallying in many classes of the FIA best for a petrol-powered asphalt and gravel, each of The P Zero and Scorpion talent is also evident European Historic Rally car. Other Pirelli rally stars these events features vastly tyres are supplied in two in the European Rally Championship. Pirelli’s key include Valtteri Bottas, who different characteristics and different compounds on Championship. The Italian product for historic rallying competed on the Arctic each event, giving the company dominated the is the P7 Corsa Classic, Rally at the start of 2019, drivers similar strategic series again in 2018, winning with the GM family of tyres and the VR46 team – which options to those that are the title in every class. It has for gravel. An additional competes on the Monza competing in the now claimed the outright form of closed-road Rally each year with a very highest class. ERC title four years in a row. competition is hillclimbing, famous motorbike rider… 14 FORMULA 4 AND OTHER REGIONAL SERIES

ot only does Championship will use the Pirelli compete same Tatuus car and Alfa Nat the pinnacle Romeo-derived Autotecnica of motorsport under its engine as the Asian series, exclusive tyre supply which is also seen in the agreement with the new Formula W series, FIA Formula 1 World aimed at women. The Championship, it also Formula Regional European supports young drivers championship is promoted starting out in the sport, by WSK – a well-known making it the perfect fit for karting promoter – and the junior single-seater series Automobile Club d’Italia, such as regional Formula 3 as is the case for the Italian and Formula 4 worldwide. Formula 4 series, already supplied by Pirelli. Another The Formula Regional privately-promoted national European Championship Formula 3 championship has been created as the is supplied by Pirelli in the FIA’s regional Formula 3 United Kingdom. series for Europe. The move follows similar series that Formula 4, at the entry were launched last year in level, is a feeder category America (also supplied by created by world Pirelli) and Asia. motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, which is The recently-created run all over the world. Formula Regional European Different engine, chassis and tyre manufacturers up through the ranks. Pirelli Formula 1 as well as Formula careers of future champions. can be involved, with Pirelli is currently in agreement to 2 and Formula 3. In fact, some of the very among the first to sign up: supply a number of different first laps ever driven by the in line with the company’s Formula 4 championships all Formula 4 cars put out champions of tomorrow philosophy of promoting over the world. around 185 horsepower, with might have already taken young driving talent. a race weekend typically place on Pirelli tyres. Pirelli The new Formula 4 tyres consisting of a 20-minute is proud to supply Fernando The idea behind the have been developed qualifying session and three Alonso’s karting school, championship is to provide specifically for junior 20-minute races. Italy was which teaches children to an affordable bridge single-seater racing by the pioneering nation in drive not long after they between karting and Pirelli engineers in Milan introducing Formula 4, with can walk… single-seaters, in order to and incorporate learning Pirelli involved from the very bring more young drivers from Pirelli’s participation in beginning to help boost the 15 FROM RACETRACK TO ROAD

echnology, safety, automotive market is the ecology and a sporting result of a strategy based Tphilosophy is what on the ‘perfect fit’. This unites the Pirelli P Zero tyres means that every tyre is seen on the race track with individually created for each those driven by ordinary car, designed and produced motorists on the road. using dedicated technologies, processes and materials. Both racing cars and road-going sports cars are By tailoring these guaranteed performance elements according to the and reliability thanks to the requirements of each car P Zero range of Ultra High manufacturer’s engineers Performance tyres. Pirelli at the design phase, Pirelli is a world leader in the is able to develop tyres automotive industry and has specifically conceived for an exclusive relationship with different models. To denote an ample variety of racing this, the tyres carry special series worldwide, including markings on the sidewall to Formula 1. This experience symbolise the fact that they filters straight down to road have been tailor-made car tyres. by Pirelli.

Pirelli is the absolute world In line with this client-centred leader in the prestige and philosophy, Pirelli has added premium segment, claiming another important element more than 50% of the market. to its prestige offering by Luxury cars and sports opening four branches of P concept of a tyre dealership. Other links with the world in motorsport. These are cars are the two of the Zero World, in Los Angeles, Both in Formula 1 and on of motorsport include the just a few examples of how fastest-growing sectors Munich, Monaco and most the road, Pirelli is all about Pirelli Color Edition and Pirelli competition benefits every in today’s global recently – at the start of this unprecedented levels of Connesso. The Color Edition tyre in Pirelli’s range: from automotive market. year – Dubai. These are the performance. Last year, offers everyday drivers the the track-derived P Zero, to first of a series of innovative the Italian firm smashed chance to personalise their the eco-friendly P1. Pirelli’s leadership in the tyre boutiques aimed at the production car lap cars with coloured tyre very upper echelons of the drivers of prestige and record for the Nurburgring sidewalls, similar to those luxury cars. This exclusive Nordschleife, after a Pirelli- seen in Formula 1. Connesso, network, which will act as equipped Lamborghini meanwhile, equips each an ambassador for the Pirelli Aventador SVJ lapped the tyre into a highly-advanced brand in cities with a high 20.8-kilometre circuit in sensor, able to deliver data in number of prestige cars, 6m44.97s, courtesy of Italian real time via an app: a bit like radically redefines the whole GT3 driver Marco Mapelli. the telemetry feeds seen 16 RACE TYRE SYSTEM: PIRELLI’S UNIQUE DATABASE

irelli has developed set-up and other telemetry a new integrated recorded by the teams and Pcomputer system to sent to the central server. collect data during tests The accumulated data is and races. The Racing always available for Pirelli’s Tyre System (RTS) is the development engineers to only one of its kind and consult in real time from the unprecedented in Formula 1, track. The latest evolutions thanks to its comprehensive on the RTS enable tyre functionality that keeps analysis over a single sector Pirelli’s engineers constantly and split times, in order to in touch with the cars, provide a complete picture the teams and Formula of the performance of a tyre One Management (FOM) during each phase of the lap. personnel. It’s also being This also makes it possible rolled out across the GT to compile and send final racing programme as well. reports to each team in real time, as well as to This unique platform, Pirelli’s Research and designed by Pirelli’s Development division. Information Technology division in Milan, allows This data will also be used engineers to monitor the to provide tyre information performance, wear and that can be publicly evolution of each tyre screened on television, when it is out on track. In enhancing the enjoyment particular, Pirelli’s RTS tracks and understanding of the details of the electronic race for fans. Recently, ‘passport’ (which is a unique the Formula 1 promoter barcode label cooked into The bespoke system links one of the tyres during on a wheel, the RTS collects the car sends telemetry has made extensive use the tyre at production) that the cars, the computer each test session and race. all the information about data used that can be used of Pirelli’s data to provide belongs to each tyre and screens of the Formula 1 The central server also the fitting phase and tyre to help calculate wear and more on-screen graphics updates it in real time, from teams’ engineers’ and a stores information about pressure when the tyre degradation, which is all about tyre usage, both on construction to recycling. tablet carried by each of the production process is first fitted to the rim. recorded on the tablets television and via the F1 app. Pirelli’s tyre engineers to and quality control of every Other information stored of the Pirelli engineers. To both a local server and tyre, certifying its identity includes the weight needed maintain confidentiality, each a central server based in and providing relevant data for balancing the tyre, as engineer can only see data Pirelli’s Milan headquarters. about its characteristics. well as the dimensions and relating to his or her own This server is updated with Once the tyre has reached weight of the tyre when first assigned team. This data information about every the circuit and is mounted fitted. When out on track, is correlated with the car 17 PIRELLI AND MOTORSPORT MARKETING

arketing is all about are open to everyone. Pirelli via a social media vote. renowned for its food – and making the most of also instituted a Pole Position Fan festivals have also the company creating a MPirelli’s presence in prize last year that continues become a regular part of recipe book and even a motorsport: an investment into 2019, where the poleman the Formula 1 landscape, cookery competition. Art is not only in technology but is given a specially-engraved with demonstrations taking another interest, with tyres also in the company’s image tyre. In Japan, the fans part across major cities in having been used to create as being synonymous with the world, including Milan a painting before, and yet style, performance, and a – where Pirelli was able to another artwork auctioned top-end lifestyle. celebrate the company’s in aid of Sir Jackie Stewart’s home grand prix. Race Against Dementia Consequently, a number of charity. Drama is another different activities have been With more and unprecedented aspect, with the winner’s put into place to ensure that tyre data and predicted trophy for the United everyone knows about what strategies being given away States Grand Prix being will be two more grands prix Pirelli does in motorsport to media and fans, there has spectacularly parachuted with Pirelli as title sponsor. – and better still, can never been more information in before the start. experience it for themselves flowing from Formula 1’s Pirelli is all about passion, to some extent. tyre supplier to the wider As well as being a tyre expertise, and pioneering: world, taking in activities that supplier, Pirelli is also a bringing a kaleidoscope of One of the most dynamic reach far beyond the making championship sponsor, with colours and fresh thinking ways that this happens is are well-known for their of tyres. These include the grands prix in France to what a tyre supplier’s via the F1 Pirelli Hot Laps elaborate costumes, so a gastronomy – with Pirelli’s and the United States role should be all about. As programme. New for 2018, competition was held where carbon black motorhome being backed by the Italian always, we’d love to hear this allowed some lucky the best-dressed fan would tyre firm. This year, there your thoughts and ideas. people to be driven round get the chance to hand over the tracks in a supercar by this award. And even when it a racing driver during the comes to naming tyres, the weekend of selected grands fans were able to prix. The drivers were of the get involved calibre of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, to name just two examples, and the supercars were supplied by AMG-Mercedes, Aston Martin and McLaren, all running on P Zero tyres.

The experience was second to none. But while not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy a hot lap, there are other Pirelli fan initiatives that 18 THE EVOLUTION OF PIRELLI’S TECHNOLOGY

irelli was still in its as a development tool for Monza hosting the very first Nuvolari created his legend: and renamed Stelvio. In 1951 research and development infancy when it first road tyres – the now famous Grand Prix in 1922. On this in that very Mille Miglia, for the legend that was Juan laboratory for road cars, Punderstood that racing Pirelli logo was born for the freshly completed track example, he deliberately Manuel Fangio took his first a guiding principle for formed as large a part of its New York to Paris race. The Pietro Bordino won in front switched off his headlights title with Alfa Romeo on Pirelli, found a brand-new DNA as technology did. The company’s racing story was of Nazzaro. Their Fiat 804s close to Lake Garda during Cinturato tyres, which would playground in the 1970s company was founded in truly underway. were identical, as were their the night in order to creep also claim the championship with rallying. The P7, Pirelli’s 1872 and straight after the tyres: the Pirelli Superflex up on his team mate Achille with Alberto Ascari’s Ferrari first low profile tyre, and P turn of the century it made THE EARLY DAYS. Cord. In 1924, the famous Varzi and pass him. Nuvolari in 1952 and 1953. But Pirelli Zero – which would lead its top-level competition The years just before the First collaboration between Pirelli would go on to win at Monza was looking with increasing to an entire family of ultra- debut at the Susa-Moncenisio World War brought Pirelli a and Alfa Romeo began. as well, again using Pirelli’s interest at racing cars high-performance tyres, still race in 1905. One year later steady stream of success in And that heralded the Stella Bianca tyres, while came the first win at the motorsport: two Peugeots start of a dominant era in his considerable reputation Settimana Automobilistica dominated the Grand Prix grand prix racing led by the went from strength to race in Sanremo. In 1907, of the Automobile Club de seemingly unbeatable Alfa strength. Meanwhile Pirelli Prince Scipione Borghese France in 1913 on the Italian Romeo P2; thanks also to was enjoying similar success and the journalist Luigi tyres. In the same year Pirelli some amazingly talented with motorbikes as well. The Barzini drove an Itala in the was also at the forefront of champions such as Giuseppe Pirelli Monocord was winning gruelling Peking to Paris the eighth Targa Florio, with Campari and Antonio Ascari. consistently throughout the race. Arid deserts, swollen Felice Nazzaro driving a car The 1925 race at Monza was second half of the 1930s river crossings, dense forests, that carried his own name. billed as the very first World thanks to riders such as Piero fast gravel roads and even There were other successes Championship grand prix: Taruffi: yet another champion that were more similar to recognised today by the crumbling bridges did not such as the French Grand once again the race was won who would achieve success road cars, for which it was same name – took hundreds affect the car and its Pirelli Prix at Le Mans, the Mont by Alfa Romeo, this time with on both two and four wheels. developing high performance of national and international tyres. By the time they got Ventoux meeting, and Gastone Brilli-Peri. He used triumphed in the hands of tyres suitable for a variety successes right up to world to the finish under the Eiffel the Coupe de l’Auto at the Pirelli Superflex Cord, Fangio and Jean Behra at of different uses. In 1954 championship level. Tower, the advantage over Boulogne-sur- Mer. Within which soon became known the Sebring 12 Hours. At the Pirelli won Le Mans with the Starting from the Poland their adversaries could the same decade, Pirelli as the ‘tyre of victory’. end of the same year the Ferrari 375MM driven by Jose Rally, which was won in 1973 be measured in days. A also tasted success on Argentine champion took his Froilan Gonzalez and Maurice by the Fiat 124 Abarth of few years after that first two wheels as a concerted GAINING MATURITY. fifth Formula 1 title, driving a Trintignant. Three years later Achim Warmbold and Jean intuition from the company’s motorbike racing campaign The 1930s belonged to Maserati with Pirelli tyres. And the Pirelli-equipped Maserati Todt, to the world title won in founder Giovanni Battista got underway. But it was Tazio Nuvolari. The ‘flying then Pirelli’s first era of grand 450S triumphed in the hands 2003 by the Subaru Impreza Pirelli – who realised the in the 1920s that the glory Mantovan’ had already been prix racing came to an end. of Fangio and Jean Behra of Petter Solberg and Phil importance of competition years really began, with a brilliant ambassador for at the Sebring 12 Hours. At Mills, there has been a long Pirelli on two wheels with THE CONSECRATION. the end of the same year the story of sideways success Bianchi motorbikes during The 1950s of course was Argentine champion took his for Pirelli over a huge variety the previous decade, before when Formula 1 really fifth Formula 1 title, driving a of diverse events. Several inheriting an Alfa Romeo 6C began. The first four world Maserati with Pirelli tyres. And unforgettable victories have 1750 factory drive from the championships were all won then Pirelli’s first era of grand passed into legend including late Brilli-Peri. Nuvolari took by Pirelli: starting in 1950 prix racing came to an end. those claimed by Sandro it to a resounding victory at with Giuseppe Farina and Munari with the Lancia the 1930 Mille Miglia. Those Alfa Romeo, on Stella Bianca NEW TERRITORIES. Stratos at two Monte Carlo were the years in which tyres that were then modified Competition as the ultimate rallies in the 1970s, as well as 19 THE EVOLUTION OF PIRELLI’S TECHNOLOGY the wins celebrated by throughout every continent. Markku Alen with the Lancia Starting in 2004, the Italian 037 in 1983 and 1984 on the firm’s presence on the World rapid asphalt of the fearsome Superbike Championship Tour de Corse. This success began: an association story was added to in 2008 that is now in place until with yet another title claimed at least until the end of by nine-time world champion 2020, forming something Sebastien Loeb for Citroen, of a record when it comes as well as countless other to enduring partnerships wins for Italian rally drivers, in motorsport. And this not just in national events but relationship is of particular also at the highest level: such relevance as it underlines the as Franco Cunico and Piero link and technology transfer Liatti, who won the world between competition and championship Sanremo Rally road-going products that has in 1993 and 1995 respectively. always characterised Pirelli’s But different territories didn’t involvement. The slogan ‘We just mean rallies and other sell what we race, we race circuit successes. In the 1970s what we sell’ is the calling and 1980s the motorbike card and centrepiece of market also saw some huge Pirelli’s presence in motorbike transformations. Pirelli’s competition. The Diablo involvement in two-wheeled tyres used in the top class competition went in a new of Superbike racing and the Formula 1. Pirelli returned and Minardi. As the 1980s Ferrari 333 SP, and then again compound of the range. direction with motocross, Diablo Supercorsa SC used in to Formula 1 in the 1980s, merged into the 1990s, the the next year with the Riley & In 2017, the third of Pirelli’s enduro and cross-country, the Supersport, Superstock racking up several important increasingly competitive Scott driven by Wayne Taylor. trio of three-year supply involving more and more 600, 1000 and European victories such as Nelson Benetton team also joined Pirelli’s return to Formula 1 agreements began, and the teams and riders. Junior Cup classes have Piquet’s win at the French the Pirelli family and it was was announced in 2010. The target moved once more with helped to make these brands Grand Prix in 1985 and on Pirelli P Zero rubber that following year the Italian the introduction of new and FROM 2000 TO THE the undisputed market Gerhard Berger’s triumph Michael Schumacher started firm was already racing wider tyres in accordance FUTURE. leaders. But the new century in Mexico in 1986. The F1 only the second grand prix with its new P Zero range with the latest regulations. The dawn of a new century also meant a new direction in tyre back then was the P7: of his illustrious career at characterised by six colourful Which brings us right up to further enhanced Pirelli’s a name that was already Monza in 1991. In the same sidewall markings: four to date with this latest 2019 involvement in motorsport closely associated with year, Piquet took the P denote the different slick season that is about to get competition. It was the P7 on Zero-equipped Benetton to tyres, plus green and blue underway. which Ayrton Senna made victory in Canada. Pirelli left to indicate the intermediate his Formula 1 debut in 1984, Formula 1 at the end of the and full wet compounds. driving for Toleman. In those season to concentrate on From 2016 there was a days, Pirelli equipped teams other series such as the IMSA seventh colour: purple, to such as Lotus, Brabham, championship in America, showcase the ultrasoft tyre, Arrows, Osella, Fittipaldi winning in 1995 with the which became the softest 20 HOW MOTORSPORT BENEFITS PIRELLI’S ROAD CAR TYRES

irelli’s family of high As these names are so that they do not vibrate performance tyres synonymous with Formula at the same frequency and Pcarry the same 1, it’s no surprise that cause excessive noise. That’s names as those seen on there’s a direct link to the not a problem on a treaded the sidewalls of the Italian’s pinnacle of motorsport: not rally tyre, for instance, firm’s Formula 1 rubber: just through the processes which is why you always P Zero (for the five and production methods hear much more tyre noise dry-weather F1 tyres) and involved, but also some of from a rally car. So, with all Cinturato (for the two the people. these extra factors at work, wet-weather F1 tyres). development for road tyres Pirelli’s head of F1 and car can take place over the P Zero is Pirelli’s ultimate racing, Mario Isola, started course of years whereas ultra high performance his career at Pirelli as a tyre for competition tyres it’s road car tyre, as seen on tester who specialised in generally a question supercars, together with testing high performance of months.” the P Zero System. P Zero tyres. And the experience he Rosso adds unparalleled gained back then is entirely The methodology with comfort, while P Zero Nero complementary to his which high performance GT is a new design for current role. road car tyres are developed larger sporting saloons. P and tested works in exactly Zero Trofeo is designed for “The testing and the same way though. road and track use, with the development process for Starting with a base tyre as P Zero Trofeo R the most road car tyres is actually a reference, test drivers try extreme version of it, for the even more complex than out a series of prototypes ultimate in performance. that for competition,” he and compare their points out. “Essentially, in characteristics with those of test track in Vizzola has a As for the tyres in the competition, you are just the reference tyre. sprinkler system that allows Cinturato range, they looking for performance, us to keep a consistent level all combine the highest combined with degradation “The most important thing of water on the surface standards of environmental and tyre life, but on road as a test driver is to drive to optimise wet-weather respect with the premium cars there are many other as consistently as possible, performance, and we also performance that is a factors. Not only are you but also to have a very have a simulated mountain hallmark of Pirelli. governed by the needs of sensitive feeling for what road that allows us to test your consumers, but also the a car is doing,” adds Isola. high-speed handling requirements of legislation. “At Pirelli, we have some in a completely For example, on a road car state-of-the-art facilities that safe environment.” tyre we work very hard to help us to develop the best make the size and shape of high-performance road car the tread blocks distinct, tyres,” he concludes. “Our 21 PIRELLI COLLEZIONE

irelli’s renowned range classic car aficionado. Fitting of state-of-the-art many iconic car designs Ptyres, which are from the 1950s to the 1990s, chosen by the majority of the Pirelli Collezione caters the world’s supercar and to many of the top classic hypercar manufacturers and vintage cars throughout as original equipment, history. Examples of fitments also now includes the include a number of Ferrari Pirelli Collezione. models, the Mercedes 300SL, Lamborghini Miura, This is a new family of Lancia Aurelia, Volkswagen vintage tyres created for Beetle and the Porsche 911 premium classic cars, which range. faithfully maintain the spirit of the original, while Combining an original look benefitting from all the latest with modern technology, the tyre technology. This allows Pirelli Collezione represents owners of classic cars to the best of both worlds, fully enjoy all the sporting built to the same exacting attributes of their vehicles, standards as Pirelli’s ultra with handling performance high performance tyres for that is similar – or even the current generation better – than when these of supercars. cars first left the factory.

Drawing on its own 140-year heritage as a world leader in motorsport and high-performance tyres for the most prestigious automotive brands, the Pirelli Collezione represents an exciting offering for any

22 PIRELLI MEDIA CONTACTS

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Sara Vimercati (F1 Communications) +39 366 620 9720 Pirelli in social media: [email protected] We have a wide variety of social media channels that cover not only Formula 1 but also all the other types of motorsport that Pirelli is involved in. Throughout 2019, we will be bringing Anthony Peacock (Motorsport Communications) the race track and rally stages directly to peoples’ screens with a behind-the-scenes look at +44 7765 896 930 what really happens in the heat of competition… [email protected] Twitter: @pirellisport #Fit4F1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pirellimotorsport Instagram: @pirelli_motorsport YouTube: www.youtube.com/pirelli

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