Teams that also run in the European championship have the choice of using products listed by the FIA for European races. Pirelli’s 315/70 R22.5 FH55 (steer pattern) and 315/70 R22.5 TH65 (drive pattern) are already FIA approved so the manufacturer sees itself as a strong candidate to be a control tyre supplier.

In line with the BTRA’s decision to investigate the options open to it, Pirelli recently ran some track tests with FH55 tyres on the steer axle. The Pirelli tyres are reported to have shown good wear characteristics compared with other brands. Speaking to BTRA officials reveals that they also feel the preliminary tests have gone “well” and that the Pirelli tyre’s durability is “impressive.” Final discussions with all race teams are now taking place to clarify and finalise the BTRA position on the use of a single manufacturer for the rest of the 2006 series.

Pirelli also provides its standard production tyres to other sporting series including the Lisbon-Dakar rally. Earlier this year Pirelli achieved positive results overall in the Libon-Dakar event. The tyre used in the Rally Raid series is the Pirelli PS22 standard production tyre, once again a testament to the products durability.