Pirelli’s gravel tyre developed for use in the WRC championship has gained FIA approval for use this year. The new tyre, known as the Scorpion, is designed to deliver strong performance on a range of gravel surfaces and features an asymmetric directional tread pattern that is intended to provide solid lateral grip as well as traction when accelerating and braking.

The Scorpion’s design also reflects changes to tyre regulations introduced this year. “The 2008 FIA WRC regulations state that anti-deflation mousse cannot be used,” comments Pirelli. “So this year’s gravel tyre has been considerably strengthened in order to resist cuts, abrasions and punctures from sharp rocks, potholes, and other such obstacles.” The tyre’s sidewall area, an especially vulnerable area, has been the subject of particular attention, and the design thus employed in the Scorpion includes elements derived from run-flat technology. Should a puncture occur drivers will most likely be able to complete the stage without losing much time or causing vehicle damage. Tread depth has also been increased to add durability.

The Pirelli gravel tyre will be made available in two compounds; a soft compound will be used on events such as those held in the UK, where the predominant surfaces encountered feature soft ground or mud, and a hard compound for events held on more abrasive surfaces. The compounds, adds Pirelli, are produced without the use of aromatic oils.