After launching the Pirelli Official Facebook^® Page just over a year ago, Pirelli is ready reinforce its presence on the web and in the social media world with the addition of the new Pirelli Moto Facebook^® Page.

Created as a means of uniting with motorcyclists and fans from across the world, Pirelli Moto is an open channel through which fans can relive the excitement of past races and preview exclusive upcoming content. These front row seats to the world of Pirelli Moto are available with just one click. Users can interact and engage directly with the historic Italian tire company, receiving answers to their questions as well as suggestions and tips on products in the Pirelli range on their use both on the road and on the track.

The page will be updated regularly with content from FIM Superbike World Championship, FIM Motocross World Championship, Monster Energy AMA Supercross and more. Custom tabs leading to posts, videos, and photo albumswill allow fans to relive all the excitement of the best in motorcycle racing.

Access the Pirelli Moto Facebook^® Page at www.facebook.com/pirellimoto.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

Stewart’s victory puts him into fourth place in the overall standings where he is just 12 points behind Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey who are tied with 85 points. Teammate Davi Millsaps finished seventh in the main event and is tenth overall with 42 points.

“We cannot be prouder as we watch this historical moment unfold for our brand”, stated Uberto Thun, Pirelli’s World Wide Moto Business Director. “I’ve been following closely as we have pulled out all the stops in support of JGRMX and their riders, Stewart and Millsaps. I look forward to this being the beginning of a long and fruitfulpartnership; we are just getting started.”

This was an emotional win for Stewart and JGRMX as they mourned the recent loss of friend and team mechanic Mark “Tex” Adams. “I got two good starts tonight, and just took my time,” commented Stewart, who dedicated the win to Tex. “This victory is for the race team and everyone sticking with us. Tex, we love you and you will never be forgotten.”

“I would like to extend condolences on behalf of Pirelli to the family of Mark Adams and JGRMX,” reflected Antonella Lauriola, Vice President of Pirelli’s NAFTA Region Moto Business Unit. “Pirelli is proud of Bubba and JGRMX in this bittersweet moment; we are behind them 110% and will do everything we can to support them at this difficult time.”

Round five of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will be held Feb. 4 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. The event will air on CBS at noon (EST) on Feb. 5.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles inboth the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

The latest addition from Hinckley will use Pirelli’s Diablo Supercorsa as original equipment with a 120/70 ZR17 tyre for the front and a 190/55 ZR17 on the rear

The new Triumph Speed Triple R, recently presented to the international press during EICMA, will roll on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires derived directly from the SC (Special Compound) version of the same tread pattern adopted in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup. The front mounts a 120/70 ZR17 sized tire while the rear takes a 190/55 ZR17 and the combination delivers pure race performance with all the added advantage of road use.

Pirelli’s Diablo Supercorsa SP uses the same profile of the SC version, providing flat areas on the shoulders, increasing the tire’s contact patch at mid lean when the rider is still braking or opening the throttle and an optimal variation of this contact area linked to the lean angle to give the most progressive response. The advantages are high stability and cornering speed, more confidence-inspiring feedback, with a greater feeling of security on road and on racetrack and an incredible traction for opening the throttle earlier than ever. This tire is characterized by a front casing, which keeps the tire on ground even under a low load, and a rear casing designed to improve the pressure distribution on the road surface.

The tread pattern maintains the same design as “SC” or Special Compound racing tires. While the performance-oriented development of land/sea ratio distribution respects FIM Supersport regulations, most tread grooves are concentrated on mid-lean area, leaving the tire crown and shoulders slick-like to improve grip. This design is aimed to give stability avoiding any jelly effect, to improve the ability to hold a line and to reach the maximum consistency of performance, a key contributor in reducing the total race time.

The SP compound extends the mileage vs. racing specific compounds and withstands perfectly for extended periods of time the temperature variations typical of road duty, providing also higher performances on wet ground. The stiffness and friction coefficient compound has been studied to allow all riders to find a very high cornering precision supported by anoutstanding contact feeling without affecting the well-known high stability and absorption behavior of Pirelli Supersport tires. The most important element of the Diablo Supercorsa SP compound is the unique possibility to guarantee quick warm up compared to the SC version as well as typical road performances like durability and high speed stability in a straight line.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture automobile and light truck tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

Both Stewart and teammate Davi Millsaps were on hand to launch the Pirelli Scorpion MX Mid Hard 554 on Friday prior to the race. “We developed this tire last season in the World MX Championship, with Davi Millsaps in Supercross, and were able to launch it as a production tire less than 12 months later,” commented Pirelli North America Director of Marketing and Key Accounts, Chris Wall. “It’s a testament to the brand’s integrity: We Race What We Sell And Sell What We Race.”

While there were little to no signs of Saturday’s early morning rain by the time gates dropped for the main event, both practice and qualifying were shortened to just one session. After second and fourth place qualifying finishes, Stewart and Millsaps advanced directly from the first heat race, where Stewart claimed his third straightheat race win. Millsaps worked his way up to a sixth place main event finish, while Stewart claimed his first podium of the 2012 season in third.

In an unfortunate turn of events, riders Trey Canard and Ryan Morias collided on the first lap of themain event, and were rendered unconscious. Pirelli wishes to extend thoughts and prayers to both riders, who are expected to make full recoveries at this time.

Round four of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will be held January 28 at Oakland Alameda Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. The event will air on CBS at noon (EST) on Jan. 29.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles inboth the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets. For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona was host to round two of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship this weekend.  49,236 fans packed the stadium and enjoyed a hard-fought battle on a fast – and technical – course, replete with a triple-triple combo section that played a big role in wheel-to-wheel competition and dramatic lead-changes. Racing exclusively onPirelli’s Scorpion MX tires, Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX’s James “Bubba” Stewart and Davi Millsaps came to Phoenix ready to set the winning pace and build on last week’s performance in Anaheim.

Stewart and Millsaps both easily qualified for the main event. Stewart placed first in the first qualifier – his second heat win this season.

Stewart’s performance was all the more amazing as he complained of feeling unwell all day and opted out of the second qualifying practice, which left fans wondering if he would return. After a few challenges early on in the main event, Stewart battled to earn a top-10 position by lap four. On lap seven, he went down in the sand section of the track and lost several places. Stewart fought back to an eighth place finish and Millsaps followed at 13th.

“I rode really good considering how bad I felt all day being sick,” said Stewart. “Once we get our starts right then it will be good. The start and the crash cost me a podium but we were way better than last week and we will only get stronger. I have faith in my team and 15 rounds left.”

Round three of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will be run January 21^st at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Cali.  The event will air on CBS at noon (EST) on Jan. 22^nd.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

Pirelli’s debut at the first round of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship Series with  the JGRMX/ Toyota/ Yamaha team started off strong, with newest addition James “Bubba” Stewart setting the fastest lap in qualifying and later winning his heat race. Both Stewart and teammate Davi Millsaps race exclusively on Pirelli’s Scorpion MX tires.

Both riders easily advanced to the main event with Stewart inside the top-10 and Millsaps 11^th. At the halfway mark of the main event, Stewart found himself in a podium position gaining on second place Chad Reed. On lap 16 Stewart landed wide on a jump resulting in a tangle with a track barrier, which partially tore the radiator shroud off his Yamaha YZ450F. Stewart recovered, managing a sixth place finish. Millsaps fell on lap 18, and finished 16^th overall. “Anaheim is the first race of a long season,” said Pirelli North America Off-Road Manager Josh Whitmire. “It was very apparent that we have the pace. We will continue to improve and look forward to Phoenix next week.”

Over 75,000 fans at Angel Stadium of Anaheim were on hand to witness the 56^th Supercross Class race gate drop – the most for any stadium in Supercross history. This marks the first of 19 races this year for Pirelil’s continued technical partnership with JGRMX. Pirelli had two technical engineers on hand from the global headquarters in Milan, Italy to provide instantaneous feedback and assessments for both riders.

The next event will be held Jan. 14 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Catch the action live, or tune in to SPEED at 9:30 p.m. (EST).

Beginning in 2012, Pirelli will offer 125 GP/Moto 3 Slick and racing rain tires along with DOT tires (Diablo Rosso II), in sizes for the popular Kawasaki EX250 and Honda CBR250 model sports bikes. For more information about tire selection, prices, track side support and availability please contact either of these Pirelli distributors:

Eastern US and Canada
Orion Motorsports
http://www.orionmotorsports.ca/
Western US
CT Racing
http://www.ctracetires.com/

Pirelli Tire North America, LLC designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with JGRMX,” said Pirelli North America Off-Road Manager, Josh Whitmire. “Working with a first class team and organization like Joe Gibbs Racing will allow us to continue the success of the Scorpion MX family of tires in the USA.” Millsaps echoed Whitmire’s sentiments: “Pirelli has been working really hard to develop for us the best possible tires. 2012 is going to be a great season.”

Whitmire continued, “Pirelli has won 56 World Championships to date, making us a leader in off-road tires worldwide.” This legacy of success has led to an expertise in engineering and optimum tires to support the Toyota/ Yamaha/ JGRMX Team at each of the 17 rounds next season.

Stewart, a multiple championship class winner commented, “I was really impressed with the commitment that the guys at Pirelli [showed] during testing, including bringing engineers over from Italy. I am looking forward to the 2012 racing season.”

The 2012 AMA Supercross and FIM World Championship Series will kick off January 8th at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

Two-time world champion Sebastian Vettel used the Pirelli tires to become the driver who has scored the most pole positions in one season. By claiming his 15th pole position at the 19th and last grand prix of the year, the Red Bull Racing driver beats the record established by Nigel Mansell that has stood since 1992.

Qualifying got underway in ambient temperatures of 81° Fahrenheit with cloudy conditions, underlining the risk of rain that is frequently a feature of the Brazilian Grand Prix. In order to get in a lap as quickly as possible, most drivers headed straight out at the beginning of qualifying one, with both Red Bulls, both McLarens, Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso and Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg using the P Zero White mediums to get through to qualifying two. The sudden rush caused plenty of traffic on one of the shortest circuits of the year, adding to the challenge for the drivers.

It was a similar story during qualifying two, but this time all the drivers went straight onto the P Zero Yellow soft tires in order to maximize dry running, with rain clouds just two kilometers away. The top drivers completed just one run during qualifying two, in order to maintain as many fresh soft tires as possible for the final session.

Conditions remained dry for qualifying three, with different approaches from the top runners on the P Zero Yellow tires. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton and Rosberg both completed a slower lap to warm up the tires followed by a fast lap, while the Red Bull Racing cars and McLaren’s Jenson Button were straight onto a quick lap.

Vettel set a time of 1m12.268s on his first run and then beat his own benchmark during the second run with a time of 1m11.918s on the soft tires. His team mate Mark Webber qualified second ahead of the two McLarens. Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher went out on the medium tire but did not set a time.

Vettel also went quickest during the final free practice session this morning, held in dry and warm conditions, with a time of 1m12.460s on the P Zero Yellow: fractionally ahead of McLaren driver Jenson Button.

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery commented: “It was interesting for us to see the performance of our new compound in qualifying conditions, and I’d like to congratulate Sebastian Vettel for breaking the record of the most number of poles in one season with a spectacular lap: I actually had a bet with one of my colleagues that somebody would get under the 1m12s mark today. After the threat of rain didn’t materialize, it turned out to be a reasonably straightforward qualifying, but most people are expecting a much more mixed up race tomorrow. That’s obviously going to have a huge impact on the strategy, so we may well see our P Zero Orange wet tires and P Zero Blue intermediates making their final appearance of the year.”

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

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For further information please contact:
Pirelli Communications and Media Relations – NAFTA Region
212.497.8825 ptna.pr@pirelli.com