Tyres

How to design record-breaking tyres

The new Audi RS 3 with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres is the star of the Nürburgring

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Green Hell is the nickname of the Nürburgring, one of the most iconic yet treacherous circuits in the world. This year's "King of the Ring" title in its segment was won by the new Audi RS 3, kitted out with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, the highest performing road models the Pirelli range. But how are records like this scored? State-of-the-art technology, experience in motorsports and specific development. Here are the secrets of the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R.

How to design record-breaking tyres 01
How to design record-breaking tyres 01

THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY

The most advanced technologies focused primarily on the compound, the tyre structure and the tread pattern to achieve an optimal match of the capabilities of the car on the track and on the road.

The tyres are made at the Izmit plant in Turkey, where other models for the various competitions that Pirelli supplies are manufactured using the same technology and machinery as the motorsport tyres.

How to design record-breaking tyres 02
How to design record-breaking tyres 02

TAILOR-MADE TYRES

The new Audi RS 3 clocked a time of 7'40"748 on the 20.8 kilometre-long circuit, bettering the previous time for the compact class set in 2019 by 4"64. This success is also the result of the specific development of the tyre. The Pirelli engineers took the P Zero Trofeo R track tyres, also approved for road use and derived from motorsports, and designed a specific version for the new German sports car. The Audi with a sporty personality has the particularity of fitting larger size 265/30Z R19 tyres on the front axle and smaller size 245/35Z R19 on the rear axle to the benefit of sportier driving dynamics.

How to design record-breaking tyres 03
How to design record-breaking tyres 03

BUT IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT THE TRACK BECAUSE THE PIRELLI P ZERO TYRES ALSO CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Pirelli P Zero road tyres, characterised by high performance, sportiness and control, blend performance and comfort and are available for everyday use by drivers less focused on track driving. The P Zero tyres support the sporty temperament of the Audi RS 3 while keeping an eye on the environment. The low rolling resistance, indicated by the European class A label, means fuel efficiency and lower air pollutant emissions. The tyres were engineered using Pirelli's cutting-edge virtual design and simulation technology, which reduces the time needed for the development process and offers benefits in terms of sustainability.

Both tyre ranges have been chosen as original equipment for the new RS 3 and bear the AO mark, certifying that they were developed specifically for Audi as an expression of Pirelli's “Perfect Fit” strategy.