PIRELLI SCORPION MX LEADS THE FIM MX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Pirelli rubber established its credentials at the second round of the FIM Motocross World Championship at the fast and hard-pack circuit of Sevlievo in Bulgaria by maintaining control of both of the principal classes. In MX1five times World Champion Antonio Cairoli managed to keep a high and effective pace around the Bulgarian hills even though the track is not one of his favourites on the calendar. The Sicilian steered his works KTM with aScorpion Pro front and a MidSoft 32 rear in both of the motos and finished 4^thand 3^rd in both sprints. Tony had to concede victory to Gautier Paulin and second spot to Christophe Pourcel, the latter riding his Kawasaki withMidSoft32 and on a damper track through watering in the afternoon elected for the MidSoft 454. Fourth overall and using MidSoft 32 front and rear was KTM rider Ken De Dycker, while 2011 vice-champion Steven Frossardhad to withdraw from the event after twisting his knee in qualification. MX2 was the domain of Pirelli with the first five positions running the MidSoft32, and current world number two Tommy Searle going 3^rd and 1^st in the two motos for his maiden victory of 2012. At this side on the podium was Jeffrey Herlings, in second spot, and thenJoel Roelants who ran away with the opening moto for the first chequered flag of his career. Following in the overall classification was second KTM rider Jeremy Van Horebeek and then Max Anstie.

PEERS & MARKETS

The main European stock markets were down in the week from the 16th to the 20th of April 2012 (Milano +0.3%, Londra +2.1%, Francoforte +2.5%, Parigi 0.0%, Madrid -2.9%). After a positive start, following the good placement of 12/18 month yield Bonos (2.09 €bln and 1.09 €bln respectively), trading discounted the renewed fears about Spanish debt, supported by non-performing loans data released by Iberian banks.

The European Auto & Parts sector (+0.2%) was flat in the week.

Pirelli stock ended the week at 8.705€ down by 0.7% with an average daily volume of approximately 4 million shares. The year-to-date performance of the stock is still positive: +33.8%, +13.4pp vs Stoxx Auto.