Pirelli BRC Press Release (115 KB)

Pirelli extends to the haulage sector the technology originally designed for car safety

To mark Truck Safety Day, Pirelli carries out a series of comparative tests with the 01 Series Winter, the winter tyre designed for heavy vehicles

Pirelli introduces Cyber Fleet, the intelligent tyre designed for road haulage that through an electronic sensor and computer system provides truck driver and fleet manager with up-to-the-minute data regarding the tyre’s condition and the vehicle’s geographical position. Cyber Fleet sees Pirelli extend to the haulage sector the Cyber Tyre technology designed for car tyre safety. The presentation took place at Truck Safety Day, a heavy goods vehicle road safety event held in Livigno where a snow-covered track was used to test the new Pirelli 01 Series winter tyre.

Cyber Fleet is the latest in a line of innovative sustainable mobility solutions developed by Pirelli researchers. The new system is designed to provide continuous tyre monitoring, detecting irregularities and ensuring proper maintenance. Tyre quality, maintenance and correct use are essential to road safety: having the correct tyre pressure at all times ensures steering precision and confident braking and cornering, whilst guaranteeing lower running costs by cutting fuel consumption and extending the tyre lifespan.

How Cyber Fleet works. Pirelli Research & Development has developed – in partnership with Schrader Electronics, world leader in on-board tyre pressure monitoring technology – an electronic sensor capable of ascertaining the condition of the tyre whilst on the move. The sensor, called TMS (Tyre Mounted Sensor), is fitted to the internal surface of the tyre in order to collect all data regarding the tyre pressure, temperature and identification. The system transmits the data gathered by the sensor simultaneously to the truck driver and fleet manager. The fleet is therefore able to carry out diagnostic and repair procedures, thus guaranteeing maximum safety for each heavy vehicle. The process of interpreting the data is not left solely in the hands of the truck driver, but also the fleet manager who handles the safety of the entire fleet from a remote position. Cyber Fleet will enable the manager to check that the tyres are kept at optimum pressure, such condition being essential for optimising fuel consumption and extending tyre lifespan to the maximum, whilst being aware of the mileage of each tyre, he can also schedule tread wear inspections with tangible benefits as far as safety is concerned.

Testing of Cyber Fleet by European and South American fleets will begin in February 2012 ready for marketing this coming September.

Comparative testing of Winter and Summer tyres. Safety took centre stage at Truck Safety Day not only with Cyber Fleet, but also 01 Series winter tyres, developed by Pirelli to guarantee maximum performance and safety over medium and long distances on wet, snowy or icy surfaces with temperatures below 4 °C. Tests on the snow highlighted the difference in performance of tyres specially developed for winter use compared to summer tyres. Generous deep siping and the optimised tread block/groove pattern provide excellent “snow-on-snow” grip, guaranteeing reduced braking distances and maximum traction on slippery and snow-covered surfaces (see Winter data sheet).

Truck Safety Day confirms Pirelli’s commitment to all aspects of road safety. Last year, the Group’s Truck Division ran an on-line competition open to the views and suggestions of truck drivers on topical road safety issues. Pirelli’s actions are based on the principles of the European Road Safety Charter, of which the Group is a signatory, and aim to increase the knowledge of truck drivers on this subject and promote awareness campaigns as to the importance of using suitable tyres and their correct maintenance for the purposes of road safety.

Both sleek and graceful the Aventador LP 700-4 accentuates the Lamborghini DNA from every angle.

Firstly, the Aventador is the epitome of style. The iconic scissor doors contribute to its outstanding design and the slashes through the surface give it a sense of vigor even when the engine is not running.

Secondly, comfort is also a strong feature of the car. Weighing slightly over 1500 kg, the 700 horsepower engine takes just 2.9 seconds to reach a speed of 100 km/h – feel the driving comfort even at higher speeds. The pleasure of driving is one of the characteristics Lamborghini looks for in its cars and it’s acknowledged as one of the features of Pirelli P Zero™ Tyres. The specific tread pattern design and robust tyre shoulders offer superb car handling allowing the Aventador LP 700-4 optimum performance both into and throughout cornering, even in the most demanding road conditions.

And, last but not least, safety is the element on which both Pirelli and Lamborghini won’t compromise. New compounds and a maximised footprint allow the Pirelli P Zero™ Tyres to reach exceptional levels of safety in braking whilst the specific tread pattern characteristics give the maximum grip even in wet conditions.

Giorgio Sanna, Chief Test Driver
Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA

Pirelli has been named Tyre Manufacturer of the Year at the National Tyre Distributors Association’s 2011 Tyre and Fast Fit (TAFF) Awards.

The prestigious event, which took place at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, saw representatives from across the industry come together to celebrate the companies that lead the way in tyre manufacturing and distribution.

The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has been championing and promoting the interests of the UK tyre industry since 1930 and is highly regarded and respected by all its members. These, the 82nd annual awards, saw competition in the Manufacturer of the Year category get as heated as ever, with Pirelli finally receiving this highest accolade over its competitors.

Dominic Sandivasci, Managing Director for Pirelli UK commented “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award which recognizes the hard work and effort of the entire Pirelli team in delivering the premium products and services demanded and deserved by the UK industry. I am extremely proud of our UK team for their contribution towards this highly regarded accolade, and would like to place on record our grateful thanks and appreciation to everyone who voted for us.”

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For further media information, please contact:

Sarah Brown, Communications, Pirelli Tyres Ltd

Pirelli UK Tyres Ltd – +44 (0) 1283 525479 – PR Office – sarah.brown.st@pirelli.com

The 39th issue of ‘The Cal™’ is the work of Mario Sorrenti, the first Italian photographer in the history of a calendar that has become a cult. Neapolitan by birth and New Yorker by adoption, Sorrenti chose the island of Corsica and its rugged landscape to create his ‘swoon’: ecstasy captured by images.

“The intense relationship between a photographer and his Muse is the very essence of the creation of a strong aesthetic dialogue which leads to the sublimation of natural beauty. In making “The Cal™”, I approached the subjects of my pictures by building a straightforward, intimate and real relationship which made it possible for me to instill the images with purity. In “swoon”, I put the bodies in direct contact with Nature, which harbors them as if they were its extension, in a set of images where rocks, land, tree trunks, sky and sea are all turned into a backdrop for the bodies”, says Mario Sorrenti, an artist whose fame was built on his extraordinary skill with nudes.

The 25 pictures of the 2012 “Calendario Pirelli” eighteen black and white and seven colour – are presented in a refined, canvas-lined portfolio, a format that has never been used before.

The 2012 Calendar features 12 protagonists, nine models and three actresses. The models include the Brazilian Isabeli Fontana (2003 Cal by Bruce Weber, 2005 by Patrick Demarchelier, 2009 by Peter Beard and 2011 by Karl Lagerfeld), the Russian Natasha Poly (2011 Pirelli Cal by Karl Lagerfeld), the Dutch Saskia de Brauw and Lara Stone (2009 Cal by Peter Beard and 2011 by Karl Lagerfeld), the Americans Joan Small and Guinevere Van Seenus (2006 Cal by Mert and Marcus), the Polish Malgosia (2009 Cal by Peter Beard), the Lithuanian Edita Vilkeviciute, the British Kate Moss (1994 Calby Herb Ritts and 2006 by Mert and Marcus). The actresses are the Ukrainian Milla Jovovich (1998 Cal by Bruce Weber), the Italian Margareth Madè and the Japanese Rinko Kikuchi.

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What’s the story?

After 18 races and 5488 kilometres so far, Pirelli will round off a remarkable season – characterised by the most overtaking in the 61-year history of the Formula One World Championship – at the iconic Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo. It’s a venue that has produced plenty of dramatic races in the past, but now Pirelli is concentrating more on the future, with two new tyre compounds making their debut at the race.

During Friday’s two free practice sessions, drivers will have two extra sets of an experimental hard tyre, which has already been tested by Lucas di Grassi and Pirelli’s Toyota TF109 car in a private test at Jerez and Barcelona this year. This tyre is considerably softer than the current hard. The results will be fed back to Pirelli’s engineers as they prepare for the 2012 season, just as was the case during the free practice sessions in Abu Dhabi, where an experimental soft tyre was tried out.

For the race itself the P Zero Yellow soft and P Zero White medium tyres have been nominated. However, the soft tyre that has been nominated is another new compound, which was tested by the teams during the young driver test at Abu Dhabi last week and during Friday free practice at the Nurburgring.

Interlagos is well known for its passionate fans, sweeping elevation changes and anti-clockwise layout. One of the key points of the circuit for both the drivers and the tyres is the final sequence of corners from turn 10 onwards, which effectively amounts to one very long left-hand bend – putting plenty of energy through the tyres and also the drivers’ necks.

At this time of the year in Brazil, rain showers are a frequent occurrence, which are capable of turning the race on its head. As usual Pirelli will bring the P Zero Orange rain tyre and P Zero blue intermediate. Drivers are allowed a total of five sets of intermediates (if it rains on Friday, otherwise four sets) and three sets of rain tyres over the weekend under the current regulations.

Pirelli’s motorsport director says:

Paul Hembery: “Preparations for the 2012 season are well underway, so it will be really interesting to hear the thoughts of the drivers about the new hard and soft tyres that we will be trying out in Brazil. We’ve already collected plenty of information on the new soft tyre from the young driver test, so it will be useful to compare that to real race data. It’s important not to get too distracted by the names of the tyres though: what we’re calling a ‘soft’ for now could end up as a medium for next year, as that’s what the testing process is all about. In general, the tyres are going to be less conservative next year as the second half of this season has shown how well the teams have understood our product, allowing us to make some reasonably aggressive choices such as supersoft and soft for Korea. We’re delighted to be ending the season in Brazil: not only is it a legendary circuit with an amazing atmosphere but it is also a key market for Pirelli.”

The men behind the steering wheel say:

Bruno Senna (Lotus Renault): “Interlagos is a very challenging track, as it’s one of the few circuits in the season that runs anti-clockwise, as well as being narrower and bumpier than most tracks we race on nowadays. The rear tyres will get a lot of use, mainly due to the many heavy traction zones, big elevation changes, high asphalt temperatures and fairly high surface roughness. We know it will be a difficult weekend for us, as most of the corners are slow in nature and on most circuits with such profile we haven’t been particularly successful, but I believe we can finish the season on a high note and, hopefully score points. There is also, of course, the risk of weather instability, due to the close proximity to a dam, which will make the race that much more exciting.”

Technical notes:
* A lap of Interlagos is 4.309 kilometres long and the race is scheduled to last for 71 laps. The track surface is notably bumpy, which makes it hard for the tyres to find traction and increases the physical demands on the drivers.

* Interlagos is another unfamiliar circuit for Pirelli, with several important factors that will only become apparent in race conditions. However, with a relative absence of high lateral loadings, apart from during the final sector, Interlagos is not expected to be too demanding on the tyre structure.

* The wide variety of high and low speed corners, along with the big elevation changes and high altitude above sea level, mean that it is quite difficult to find the correct aerodynamic set-up and, once more, a good compromise is needed. The last sector of the lap is one of the most important when it comes to the eventual lap time, so this tends to get prioritised in terms of set-up.

The tyre choices so far:

Pirelli in Brazil:
* Brazil is one of the key markets for Pirelli. The company has five factories there (more than any other country in the world, including Italy): one for car tyres, another for car and truck, another for truck and agricultural, another for motorbikes and truck, and a final factory for steel cord.
* The rapidly-developing Latin American market is expected to account for a third of the Pirelli Group’s global profits by 2015. Pirelli is already the market leader in the region.
* Pirelli, which has been present in Brazil for more than 80 years, invested more than $300 million US dollars in its Brazilian facilities from 2008-2011. The company currently employs nearly 10,000 people countrywide.

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Follow us on Twitter @ Pirelli_Media or Facebook on www.facebook.com/Pirelli
Please also visit the Pirelli F1 blog at www.pirellif1blog.com.

For further information please contact:

Alexandra Schieren +33 607 03 69 03 alexandra.schieren@pirelli.com
Anthony Peacock +44 7765 896 930 anthony@mediatica.co.uk
**
Francescopaolo Tarallo +39 334 684 4307 francescopaolo.tarallo@pirelli.com
(Head of Product and Motorsport Media Relations)

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Korhonen, the first driver not from Great Britain to win the award in its four-year history, will receive a fully-funded drive on next year’s British Rally Championship in a Skoda Fabia R2 run by TEG Sport. The car will run in a unique Pirelli Star Driver livery, highlighting the exceptional opportunity that Pirelli continues to give young rallying talent in Britain.

The 27-year-old Finn won the drive following a two-day selection process held earlier in the week, during which six drivers went head-to-head for the coveted prize. They were assessed by a team of judges that comprised Pirelli senior tyre engineer Matteo Braga, former British Rally Champions Gwyndaf Evans and Jim McRae, and World Rally Championship co-driver Chris Patterson. The tests included interview technique and pace-note preparation, as well as a driving assessment over a specially-created stage at Rowrah circuit in Cumbria with the Skoda Fabia R2, together with other practical exams such as a timed wheel change.

Korhonen, co-driven by his compatriot Marko Salminen, was announced as the winner at the British Rally Championship Awards in Manchester tonight, having impressed the judges in every area. The Finn won the Fiesta Trophy in Finland this year, taking five dominant victories, and also impressed with a stellar performance on the Pirelli International Rally in April, where he won the R2 class and finished sixth overall.

The other finalists for this year’s Pirelli Star Driver nomination were Tommy Doyle, Desi Henry, Osian Pryce, Siim Plangi and Peter Taylor – all of whom performed brilliantly.

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery commented: “First and foremost, I’d like to say that all the drivers can feel proud of themselves for having got to the final selection. But we can only pick one winner, and all the judges thought that Jukka would make an excellent ambassador for Pirelli on the British Rally Championship as part of the prestigious Star Driver scheme, with the right performance and mental strength to really make a difference.”

Korhonen added: “I’m very grateful to Pirelli for this fantastic opportunity – and I fully intend to make the most of it. I really enjoyed my first taste of the Skoda Fabia R2 during the shootout and I think that we can fight for overall wins with this car. Coming to compete in Britain with Pirelli is one of my dreams, and I am so happy to have achieved it.

” Korhonen follows in the footsteps of Darren Gass (2008), Adam Gould (2009), Keith Cronin (2010) and Elfyn Evans (2011): all of whom are previous winners of the Pirelli Star Driver prize. Next year’s British Rally Championship takes in six rounds on gravel and asphalt.

For further media information, please contact: Sarah Brown, Communications, Pirelli Ltd
Pirelli UK Tyres Ltd – +44 (0) 1283 525479 – PR Office – sarah.brown.st@pirelli.com

Rutter won the race from his Riders Ducati teammate Martin Jessopp and secured his name in the record books as the most prolific winner of this unique event, an honour previously held by Ron Haslam. Heavy rain forced the race to be held a day later than planned and was run between the WTCC and Formula 3 races, therefore guaranteeing great exposure for motorcycling and all associated brands in the important Asian market.

Michael Rutter said immediately afterwards, “I’m over the moon to get this seventh win and I’ve got to say the tyres were absolutely faultless throughout the race with consistent grip and great stability.”

Martin Jessop added, “The tyres were mint from lap one, no slides and they stayed consistent throughout with great handling stability.”

Rutter and Jessopp utilised Pirelli Diablo Superbike (SC2 compound) front slicks from their standard customer range, paired with a rear from Pirelli’s TT and ‘road racing’ development programme. The two riders reigned supreme at the Armco lined circuit made all the more treacherous after the rain and oil from car race incidents. The race was shortened to 10 laps with a track temperature of 30C and ambient of 26C.

Pirelli UK Racing Manager Jason Griffiths said, “Thanks to Michael, Martin and of course Phil Jessopp and the entire Riders Ducati team. A terrific result and Pirelli are proud to have helped Michael to this very special win. We’re extremely pleased by the performance of our Diablo Superbike slicks here. The riders were confident in the performance of the material even with the limited track time they had for set up.”

Macau GP results:

1st M Rutter – PIRELLI

2nd M Jessopp – PIRELLI

3rd I Hutchinson -

4th J Toye (USA) -

5th G Johnson – PIRELLI

Fastest Lap – M Rutter 2.25.456

Pirelli has successfully tested some of its 2012 tyres at the three-day young driver test, which took place straight after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

All the teams participated in the test, which was designed for them to assess potential young drivers for the future. At the same time, Pirelli took advantage of the test to try out some of the new P Zero tyres that will be seen next year. The new front and rear profiles were assessed, together with a new potential soft compound.

The new soft compound is designed to wear more evenly and have increased thermal resistance. This reduces the possibility of blistering and should lead to more flexibility within the pit stop strategies and even closer racing in 2012.

The new front and rear profiles are more square than they were previously, which again provides a more even wear rate. The latest tyres also generate more grip from the rear, which tends to provoke more understeer and also enhances the possibilities for overtaking.

Teams were given six sets of new development tyres to assess – with two sets per prototype – together with two sets of the current P Zero Yellow soft tyre as a base. They were also allowed to use however many tyres remained of their 2011 testing allocation, which comprises 100 sets for the year.

Unlike the grand prix, which was held in the evening, the Abu Dhabi tests took place during the daytime, with ambient temperatures peaking at nearly 33 degrees centigrade with track temperatures of nearly 50 degrees. This put all the tyres through a tough work out, testing their thermal resistance and durability.

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery said: “Even though the young drivers did not have the same experience as the regular drivers, we were able to collect plenty of useful information and feedback. The results of the test were very much in line with our expectations, so we’re pleased with the work that has been carried out, in very demanding track conditions. This gives us a useful base to work from as we continue to refine our 2012 range of tyres, which should bring even more performance and spectacle to Formula One next year.”
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Pirelli has successfully tested some of its 2012 tyres at the three-day young driver test, which took place straight after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

All the teams participated in the test, which was designed for them to assess potential young drivers for the future. At the same time, Pirelli took advantage of the test to try out some of the new P Zero tyres that will be seen next year. The new front and rear profiles were assessed, together with a new potential soft compound.

The new soft compound is designed to wear more evenly and have increased thermal resistance. This reduces the possibility of blistering and should lead to more flexibility within the pit stop strategies and even closer racing in 2012.

The new front and rear profiles are more square than they were previously, which again provides a more even wear rate. The latest tyres also generate more grip from the rear, which tends to provoke more understeer and also enhances the possibilities for overtaking.

Teams were given six sets of new development tyres to assess – with two sets per prototype – together with two sets of the current P Zero Yellow soft tyre as a base. They were also allowed to use however many tyres remained of their 2011 testing allocation, which comprises 100 sets for the year.

Unlike the grand prix, which was held in the evening, the Abu Dhabi tests took place during the daytime, with ambient temperatures peaking at nearly 33 degrees centigrade with track temperatures of nearly 50 degrees. This put all the tyres through a tough work out, testing their thermal resistance and durability.

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery said: “Even though the young drivers did not have the same experience as the regular drivers, we were able to collect plenty of useful information and feedback. The results of the test were very much in line with our expectations, so we’re pleased with the work that has been carried out, in very demanding track conditions. This gives us a useful base to work from as we continue to refine our 2012 range of tyres, which should bring even more performance and spectacle to Formula One next year.”

Follow us on Twitter @ Pirelli_Media or Facebook on www.facebook.com/Pirelli
Please also visit the Pirelli F1 blog at www.pirellif1blog.com.

For further information please contact:

Alexandra Schieren +33 607 03 69 03 alexandra.schieren@pirelli.com
Anthony Peacock +44 7765 896 930 anthony@mediatica.co.uk
**
Francescopaolo Tarallo +39 334 684 4307 francescopaolo.tarallo@pirelli.com
(Head of Product and Motorsport Media Relations)

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Following an extensive investigation of the circumstances that led to Sebastian Vettel’s right-rear tyre suddenly deflating on the opening lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a structural failure of the tyre has been ruled out as the cause by Pirelli’s engineers.

The tyre in question was a part of a set of P Zero Yellow softs that the Red Bull Racing driver had used to qualify on pole the day before.

Following the incident at the first corner, Vettel completed a lap in order to return to the pits, during which the flapping rubber caused damage to the bodywork and running gear, forcing the world champion into his first retirement of the year.

Although not much remained of the tyre afterwards, there was enough for Pirelli’s engineers to carry out a full investigation, in collaboration with Red Bull Racing. Having subjected the tyre to minute analysis, structural failure of the tyre or valve has been ruled out as a cause of the incident. Track debris or other outside circumstances cannot be excluded as a possible cause.

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery said:
“We can confirm that a structural failure was not the cause of Sebastian Vettel’s deflation in Abu Dhabi, a conclusion that we have arrived at together with Red Bull Racing following a detailed examination and analysis of the remains of the tyre. We cannot rule out debris on the track causing damage to the tyre, which then provoked a deflation, but having looked at the track closely there is no direct evidence of this.”

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Follow us on Twitter @ Pirelli_Media or Facebook on www.facebook.com/Pirelli
Please also visit the Pirelli F1 blog at www.pirellif1blog.com.

For further information please contact:

Alexandra Schieren +33 607 03 69 03 alexandra.schieren@pirelli.com
Anthony Peacock +44 7765 896 930 anthony@mediatica.co.uk
**
Francescopaolo Tarallo +39 334 684 4307 francescopaolo.tarallo@pirelli.com
(Head of Product and Motorsport Media Relations)

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