Pirelli is reporting an impressive performance for its 2010-specification P Zero Racing Slick during a two-day tire test at Daytona International Speedway in advance of January’s Grand-Am Rolex 24 race.
Twenty-four cars tried the new HAOF (highly aromatic oil-free) slicks on the 3.56-mile Daytona road circuit, and the reaction “was encouraging,” according to Tom Gravalos, Pirelli’s vice president of motorsports, marketing and original equipment sales.
The tire “has proven to be consistent, durable and very fast...and we’ve been able to put many miles on the new eco-friendly tire,” he says, adding that the company plans to increase its lineup of environmentally sustainable tires from 20 percent to 40 percent by 2011.
Last week’s tire tryouts marked a key run-up to the manufacturer’s third season as Official Tire Supplier for Grand-Am’s Rolex Sports Car Series.
Although official lap times were not released, unofficially Max Angelelli was the quickest driver in the Daytona Prototype category – nearly besting the track record.
“I’m very happy,” says Angelelli. “The new tires for 2010 seem to work really well. They can take so many laps that it’s almost unbelievable.”
Scott Pruett, – eight-time American sports car champion, two-time Daytona Prototype champ and three-time 24 at Daytona winner – was also impressed.
“What we’re seeing is phenomenal life,” Pruett says. “This is the biggest jump that I have seen in this sport since I’ve been in it. Consistency looks to be just terrific. We ran almost as fast at the end of the run as we did at the start - that’s what you’re looking for. It looks like what they’ve come up with has been a huge jump forward. We’re not (just) looking at pure speed, but endurance of the tire.”
Michael Shank Racing teammates Oswaldo Negri Jr. and Mark Patterson were also pleased. “The tires are lasting and performing much longer than last year,” reports Negri. “This tire suits my driving style. I can roll a lot more speed into the corner and have the front end working well. Yesterday my fastest lap time was with tires that had 150 miles on them. Today, my fastest time was with tires that had 170 miles. We are really, really happy.”
Drivers in the GT class echoed their Daytona Prototype counterparts.
“As usual, it went very, very well,” says Robin Liddell. “We’re going through a shakedown process with our new Camaro, and we’ve had no problems. We’ve come to expect good performance and consistency (from Pirelli), and this test is no different. We’re very confident in the product.”
Spencer Pumpelly was testing the No. 67 TRG Porsche alongside co-drivers Bobby Labonte, Andy Lally and Tim George Jr. “The (P Zeros) are much more consistent,” says Pumpelly. “Pirelli has done an excellent job of addressing our needs. Based on what we know so far, it’s great. I can’t wait to get out there and be able to really lean on them.”
For more information, visit www.us.pirelli.com.
