Pirelli Set to Sponsor Village on the Curves
Burton upon Trent, February 28, 2012 – Pirelli will continue to support the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race by sponsoring this year’s Village on the Curves, the ultimate Le Mans camping experience situated on the famous Porsche Curves.
Formerly known as the Porsche Owners International Village, the Village on the Curves is situated at a spectacular vantage point on the the 8.5 mile Circuit de la Sarthe – famed for its legendary 24-hour race which dates back to 1923.
The cars enter the Porsche Curves in fifth gear, which is a fast but narrow complex of sweeping bends at the very end of the lap with little run-off, making it one of the best places to watch the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Open from Wednesday 13 June, the Village on the Curves is a well-known meeting and camping site for owners of Porsches: one of the most recognised premium sports car manufacturers in the world, which Pirelli supplies with original equipment.
Pirelli recently launched a new homologation of P Zero road tyre created specifically for the latest incarnation of the iconic Porsche 911, with different compounds front and rear to maximise the car’s rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Le Mans 24 Hours,” said Dominic Sandivasci, Pirelli UK managing director.
“Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the Le Mans 24 Hours is the world’s oldest endurance sports car race and features some of the best drivers in the top echelons of motorsport.
“As a leading tyre supplier in the motorsport industry, we felt it was important as a company to continue supporting one of the most important events in the annual motorsport calendar.”
Pirelli won the Le Mans 24 Hours back in 1954, with Maurice Trintignant and Jose Froilan Gonzalez in a Ferrari 375 MM.
Gold Medal for Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Goodyear takes top spot in MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test for third consecutive year
GOODYEAR’S EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC 2 HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GOLD MEDAL IN THE LATEST MOTOR MAGAZINE TYRE TEST, CEMENTING ITS POSITION AS AUSTRALIA’S ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE ROAD TYRE. THE ACCOLADE ALSO GIVES GOODYEAR A HAT-TRICK OF WINS IN THE AUTHORITATIVE TEST WITH THE ORIGINAL EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC EARNING THE AWARD THE TWO PREVIOUS YEARS.
With testing undertaken at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway, V8 Supercar driver, stunt driver and driving instructor Warren Luff was behind the wheel of a MY12 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR, putting nine 245/40R18 size high performance road tyres through their paces.
The tyres were tested in four separate challenges – Figure Eight Road Circuit, Wet Skidpan, Dry Slalom and Emergency Braking – with scores averaged across three attempts for each.
With Australian weather conditions providing a constant and varied challenge for drivers and tyres alike, performance in the Wet Skidpan is always a key performance indicator. Here the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was the clear leader in what was the only wet test, with its new silica tread compound and race inspired resin creating better adhesion on the wet surfaces.
The Goodyear tyre again clocked the outright fastest average time on the Figure Eight Road Circuit, highlighting the credentials of its new improved tread pattern which allows for a more stable outer tread to aid cornering. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was also equal first place in the Dry Slalom.
Overall, after taking out three of the four categories, MOTOR awarded the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 the Gold Medal, commenting that, “its solid performance across all categories shows its broad capabilities to cope with a diverse range of situations”.
James Peate, Goodyear’s Communications Manager, said that the result was an accurate representation of the tyre’s ability to perform at the highest standards when faced with a range of tough conditions, taking performance tyres to the next level.
“Having launched the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 in 2011, we’re very proud to see this tyre well and truly making its mark in the MOTOR test. As an extraordinary, best in class all-rounder, it goes to show the performance and benefits a premium tyre can offer the consumer,” Mr. Peate said.
“Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2’s Active Braking Technology and improved tread design allows for superior control and comfort, particularly in the wet. Additionally, the tyre also provides lower noise emission levels, better mileage and features Goodyear’s FuelSaving technology which aids in reducing fuel consumption via a lower rolling resistance.
“Being crowned winner by MOTOR now three years running certainly creates a compelling argument to consider Goodyear ahead of any others.”
Silver Medal for Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT also polled extremely well in the 2012 MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test, taking out the Silver Medal and being dubbed “a smart choice for all round capability” by the magazine.
Overall MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test results
1Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
2 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
3 Toyo Proxes T1 Sport
4 Kumho Ecsta LE Sport
=5 Maxxis Victra MA-21
=5 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo
7 Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE002
8 Duro DP-8100
9 Pirelli P Zero Rosso
JAXQuickfit Tyres congratulates Mitch Cooper from Gold Coast United FC
JAXQuickfit Tyres would like to congratulate Mitch Cooper, who made his A-League debut for the Gold Coast United FC last weekend.
Mitch is a part of the JAXQuickfit Tyres family as his father, Robert Cooper, is the owner of our Caloundra store on the Gold Coast.
In an Australian first, Mitch, aged just 17, made his professional debut whilst also wearing the Gold Coast United captain’s armband.
According to Sky News, the idea for Mitch to captain the side was a ‘symbolic gesture’ from the Gold Coast United’s owner, Clive Palmer, who apparently said that if they will be playing with such a young team on the weekend, they may as well let one of them be captain for the weekend.
Whilst Gold Coast United FC went down to Melbourne Heart 1-0 at AAMI Park last Friday night, Mitch has been earmarked as a star of the future and we wish him the best of luck from all of us at JAXQuickfit Tyres!
Bridgestone US plant reaches production milestone
On 14 February, 2012, the Bridgestone America Tyre Operations plant in Aiken County, South Carolina achieved a significant production milestone, with its 100 millionth tyre rolling off the production line.
The arrival at the milestone was celebrated by company management, workers and invited guests; with the tyre at the centre of the festivities, a Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S, signed by all who attended the celebration and will be displayed in the plant’s lobby.
“Our teammates here in Aiken are dedicated to making the best products possible every day,” said plant manager John Stewart at the commemorative event.
“It’s a reflection of our company’s global philosophy, which we call the Bridgestone Way. We have upheld the same commitment to excellence now for 100 million tyres, and we plan to do the same for 100 million more.”
The Aiken County facility began operations in 1999 and currently employs 950 workers. In 2011, the company announced two phases of expansion for the plant; representing a capacity increase of 37,750 tyres per day or 13.4 million tyres annually and an increase in employment with more than 300 additional full-time and contractor jobs available when fully completed in 2015.
Pirelli Launches P Zero Silver
Pirelli has introduced the P Zero Silver, the first road car tyre derived directly from its experience providing tyres for Formula One.
Developed for sports cars and sporting saloons, the new tyre expands the P Zero range, and marks the first in a series of highly specialised Pirelli road car tyres, ensuring the maximum level of performance even after long distances.
According to Pirelli: “Thanks to the same processes that are used in Formula One, Pirelli underlines some of the key characteristics of the entire P Zero range through the new Silver – with the emphasis on durability.
“The structure, compound and tread pattern design of the Silver have been developed to resist any deformation in the tyre’s profile, lengthening the tyre’s life and extending the consistency of its performance.
“The Silver has been conceived for drivers who enjoy performance and use their cars frequently. The P Zero Silver is particularly designed for people who drive their cars every day and cover more than 20,000 kilometres per year, mostly on motorways.”
This latest road tyre from the famous P Zero range shares the same mathematical modelling process with its Formula One equivalent. In particular, the design and development took place using the same state-of-the-art computer simulation, which allows the tyre’s performance and behaviour to be assessed under an extremely wide range of conditions.
The P Zero Silver tyre is a limited edition only and will only be available in European markets.
Pirelli Tyres Complete 14,949 Kilometres in Four Days of Testing
Jerez, February 10, 2012 – Pirelli supplied 1176 tyres for the first Formula One test of the 2012 season, held at the Jerez circuit in the south of Spain over four days. A total of 3380 laps were covered by 23 drivers – equating to 14,949 kilometres.
The new P Zero White medium tyre completed the most running in Spain with 1776 laps run (91 sets used), followed by the new P Zero Yellow soft with 1010 laps run (57 sets used) and the P Zero Silver hard with 594 laps run (33 sets used). Although the new Pirelli Cinturato Green intermediate tyre and Pirelli Cinturato Blue tyre was brought to Spain, it was not used as the weather stayed dry despite ambient temperatures that dipped to as low as -2 degrees centigrade.
The 2012 tyres performed in line with expectations at Jerez, but with most teams running brand new cars in different phases of development, it was hard to draw firm conclusions about relative performance.
Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery said: “The tyres performed exactly in line with our expectations here in Jerez. We’ve had a very positive reaction from the drivers and teams so far, who have reported more grip at the rear, fewer ‘marbles’ and a reduced lap time difference between the compounds as well as faster overall performance – which is precisely what we wanted. We’re happy with the level of degradation and we had no issues, as was the case for all of last year. But as the temperatures in Jerez were very low and the teams have also concentrated on other areas than tyres, it’s too early to draw any detailed conclusions. We’ll see more tyre development work at the next test in Barcelona, as together with the teams, we fully understand the implications of the latest rules. However, with all three of our available slick tyres having set a fastest time, it’s a clear sign that we are on course to meet our objectives.”
Lotus driver Kimi Räikkonen – who last drove on Pirelli tyres in the 2010 World Rally Championship – set the pace on the opening day, with a spectacular return to Formula One thanks to a time of 1m 19.670s on the P Zero White medium tyre.
Mercedes were quickest on the second and third days using their 2011 car. Michael Schumacher lowered the benchmark to 1m18.561s on day two with the P Zero Silver hard tyre and Nico Rosberg set a time of 1m17.631s on day three with the P Zero Yellow soft: the best time over all four days.
The Jerez test ended with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso going quickest with a time of 1m18.877s on the final day, again using the soft tyre.
Testing facts:
- During comparison runs between the new medium and the new hard tyre on day one, there was a difference of between 0.4-0.5 seconds, with better grip and less wear: particularly at the rear.
- The driver to complete the most laps at Jerez was Kimi Räikkonen, who racked up 192 laps on the soft, medium and hard over the first two days: nearly the equivalent of three grands prix.
- Most teams started off with short runs initially, before trying longer runs and race simulations for the first time as they expanded their development programmes.
- The top times on all four days comfortably beat the benchmark established at the last test in Jerez one year ago, where Rubens Barrichello went fastest for Williams with a time of 1m19.832s.
Testing numbers:
- Total number of sets brought to Jerez: 294 sets which equals 1176 tyres
- Of which soft tyres: 71 sets
- Of which Medium tyres: 105 sets
- Of which Hard tyres: 43 sets
- Of which Intermediate tyres: 38 sets
- Of which Wet tyres: 37 sets
- Total amount of sets used: 181
- Of which soft tyres: 57 sets
- Of which Medium tyres: 91 sets
- Of which Hard tyres: 33 sets
- Of which Intermediate tyres: 0 sets
- Of which Wet tyres: 0 sets
- Longest run:
26 laps on the hard compound
27 laps of the medium compound
20 laps on the soft compound
- Highest / lowest ambient temperature over four days: 20 °C / -2 °C
- Highest / lowest track temperature over four days: 26 °C / 0 °C
New Pirelli Formula One Tyres Faced Their First Test
Milan, February 6, 2012 – The Formula One teams will get the chance to sample the definitive specification of Pirelli’s new tyres for the first time this year, as the 2012 Formula One season gets underway at Jerez in Spain this week.
During a four-day test at the Andalusian circuit, from Tuesday to Friday (7-10 February) each car will have 25 sets of Pirelli’s new soft, medium and hard compounds available, along with the wet tyres if needed. Teams are allowed a maximum of 100 sets of tyres per car each year for testing purposes, and they are permitted to choose the compounds they would like to test within their allowance. None of the teams have nominated the supersoft compound for Jerez: the only compound to remain unchanged from 2011.
Experimental compounds for the 2012 tyres were tried out during some of the free practice sessions last year, as well as at the young driver test following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, the regular drivers now have the opportunity to test the new compounds together with the new profiles for the tyres, which this year are much ‘squarer’ in order to provide a greater contact patch and deliver a longer period of peak performance, while maintaining an overall lifespan in the region of 100 kilometres.
The tyres have been designed to provide more grip at the rear of the car, following the latest changes in the aerodynamic regulations that ban blown exhausts for 2012.
Once more the teams will start from scratch, as all the compounds apart from the supersoft are new, with more visible colour markings. In the unlikely event that it rains in the south of Spain next week, the drivers will also get to try out the new Cinturato rubber: the designation for the intermediate and full wet tyres – which echo the name of Pirelli’s first Formula One tyres from the 1950s.
With the 2012 cars in different phases of development, and some new drivers as well, the emphasis in Jerez will not be on peak performance but instead on understanding the characteristics of the new tyres and matching them to the cars.
The 4.43-kilometre Jerez circuit has hosted both the Spanish and European Grands Prix previously, and it is a popular venue for Formula One testing due to its technical configuration and year-round warm weather. It was one of the venues that Pirelli used for testing in 2010, when the company was building up to its return to Formula One.
The track contains quite a wide variety of corners, ranging from slow curves to some medium to fast bends. The layout puts particular emphasis on rear tyres, which have to work hard to supply the best traction throughout an ample range of speeds. While Jerez does not result in especially high top speeds, every aspect of a car’s performance is comprehensively tested.
Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Paul Hembery said: “After a successful first season in 2011, we are determined to help provide an even better spectacle this year, which is why the entire tyre range has been renewed. At this early point, the emphasis for the teams is expected to be on learning the new tyres and it will be interesting to see which approach they take to that process. Last year, it didn’t take the teams long at all to understand the characteristics of our tyres, and while we are sure that this will be the case again, there will be less of an element of surprise this year, as to some extent the teams know what to expect from our products. This rapid pace of development and reaction is what makes Formula One our ultimate research tool, enhancing Pirelli’s status as the world leader in the Ultra High Performance sector.”
While the teams are testing the 2012 Formula One compounds for the first time, the brand new P Zero Silver road car tyre will also be launched in Jerez: the first of a series of specialised tyres from Pirelli that use Formula One technology. The P Zero Silver road tyre – the same name that is given to the hardest compound in the Formula One range – is designed to combine performance with durability, created for motorists who enjoy sporty driving and cover more than 20,000 kilometres a year.
As well as a name, the P Zero Silver shares Pirelli’s sporting DNA with the Formula One tyres, making use of the same sophisticated design technology that has gone into the tyres that will take to the track in Jerez.
Strong Start to New Vehicle Sales in 2012
The new vehicle market in Australia has started the year with a solid result.
Official VFACTS data released recently by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries shows that 76,783 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in January (up 4.3 per cent or 3,199 vehicles compared to the same month in 2011).
“This is an encouraging January sales results and provides a good start to 2012,” FCAI Chief Executive Ian Chalmers said.
“It’s mostly being driven by private (27.7% or 2,533 more than Jan 2011) and business (32.3% or 2,233 more) buyers of SUVs and car rental companies updating their passenger car fleets (up 55.6% or 838 compared with Jan 2011). This number of private buyers for passenger cars declined by 8.4 per cent (2,314) compared with this time last year,” he said.
Queensland continued the strong sales growth it displayed at the end of last year, with new vehicle sales in that state up by 18.3 per cent or two and a half thousand vehicles compared to the same period in 2011.
Toyota was the best performing brand in January with a market share of 18.3 per cent, followed by Holden with 11.8 per cent and then Mazda with an 11 per cent share.
Source: FCAI
OZ Selected as Ferrari F1 Wheel Supplier
The Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 car will be fitted with wheels produced by the rim manufacturer OZ, in an agreement over a three year period.
The Italian wheel maker has served as a supplier to many top Formula 1 teams for a number of years, but this is its first Ferrari engagement.
In announcing its selection of OZ wheels, Ferrari described the 1971-established wheel maker as “an Italian company that is a world leader in the world of competition and the motor industry in general and in the field of alloy wheels.”
“We are proud to welcome OZ to the group of suppliers to the Scuderia,” said Scuderia Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali.
“The brand from Padua is synonymous with quality and reliability and along with these characteristics comes the ability to meet the demands of its customers who, in an environment as competitive as Formula 1, are always looking for maximum performance. This collaboration in Formula 1 will further strengthen the ties that have linked for many years the Prancing Horse and OZ in the world of road-going cars.”
“We are proud that Scuderia Ferrari has placed its trust in us,” commented Claudio Bernoni, president and managing director of OZ, who described the company’s selection as an “important recognition” of its work.
“OZ wheels have been successfully used in Formula 1 since 1988 – numerous race victories and championships underline OZ’s motorsport performance. This partnership with the best known and most famous Italian team represents for us the start of a new chapter in the OZ success story. Technology for the Formula 1 Ferrari was developed by OZ in partnership with Ferrari’s engineers. The wheels were optimised down to the minutest detail and achieve outstanding performance. With the historic yellow OZ logo we wish to provide a reminder of our first championship successes in the 1980s – a homage to motorsport fan and aficionados.”