Pirelli and Ken Block light up the snow of Russia
The American ‘Gymkhana’ star tests Pirelli’s latest studded competition tyre
One of the world’s most famous drivers, known all over the globe for his extreme and spectacular style, a snowy stage in Igora Park, a Ford WRC and Pirelli’s studded competition tyres. This was the unforgettable line-up that Pirelli and Ken Block put together on snow at Igora, close to St Petersburg in Russia. The objective was to demonstrate how the right tyre can make the difference in terms of performance and safety on some of the world’s most treacherous surfaces, without compromising on the amazing spectacle that is always guaranteed by the American driver.
Over a rally stage and driving test road, Ken Block put Pirelli’s latest studded Winter Sottozero tyres through their paces: the same family of tyres that successfully equipped World Rally Cars on snow when Pirelli was the exclusive official supplier to the World Rally Championship from 2008-2010.
Ken Block has taken part in many different championships and he is well known by fans for his spectacular driving style, such as his dramatic skids and slides. On the snow of Igora Park, as a guest of Pirelli, he gave a brilliant demonstration of his spectacular driving style and his absolute control of his car, making the most of the performance of Pirelli’s Winter Sottozero tyres.
To see video click here
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.
A tenth consecutive Dakar win for BFGoodrich!
The American tyre brand BFGoodrich secured its 12th Dakar triumph – its 10th in a row – in Lima, Peru, today. Victory on the world’s most gruelling cross-country rally went to Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel (ALL 4 Racing MINI) who took his personal score on the event to 10 wins.
BFGoodrich’s maiden Dakar success dates back to 1999,and the American tyre brand, which belongs to the Michelin group, hasn’t been beaten on the world’s most exacting off-road rally since 2002.
The 2012 event proved particularly challenging thanks to a menu of more than 4,000 kilometres of against-the-clock action between the New Year’s Day start in Mar del Plata, Argentina, and the finish in Lima, Peru. The route featured a punishing cocktail of rough and rocky trails, plus Chile’s sandy Atacama desert and the awesome dunes of southern Peru which competitors discovered for the first time this year.
The Dakar regulations dictate the use of a single type of tyre for the entire route. BFGoodrich’s principal partners in the T1class (MINI, Toyota, Mitsubishi, etc.) chose the All-Terrain+ tyre which is reputed for its durability, versatility and performance.
The American brand faced stiff competition this year, notably in the form of the Hummers driven by last year’s winner Al-Attiyah and the USA’s Gordon. These powerful machines were entered in the so-called ‘Open’ class which permits the use of wider and bigger-diameter tyres (+13cm), as well as a system that permits tyres to be inflated and deflated from the cockpit. This solution is especially useful when crossing terrain which alternates between stones and sand dunes.
That, however, didn’t prevent the ALL4 Racing MINIs and their BFGoodrich All-Terrain+ tyres from claiming a one-two finish thanks to Stéphane Peterhansel and Spaniard Nani Roma, while South Africa’s Giniel de Villiers and his new Toyota Hilux made it an all-BFGoodrich podium.
Today’s result sees Stéphane Peterhansel establish a new record for the highest number of Dakar wins, and the Frenchman only suffered from loss in tyre pressure four times during the entire two-week competition which was run at an extremely quick pace from start to finish. “Most of these punctures were due to bad luck, including one where a sharp branch pierced a hole in the sidewall, while another was caused when the rear tyre was hit by a big rock that was dug up by a front wheel. I was very happy with my BFGoodrich tyres. The team’s engineers worked hard on the chassis, suspensions and tyres this year to make sure that the three functioned in perfect harmony. I would like to thank my co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret, everyone in the X-raid team and all my partners. They all deserved this win!”