Pirelli Tests ‘Green’ P Zero Slick at Daytona

Pirelli Tire North America introduced its 2010 specification P Zero Racing Slick at Daytona International Speedway during December tire tests in preparation for January’s Rolex 24 event. The two-day test on December 8 and 9 gave teams and drivers the opportunity to test the new HAOF (highly aromatic oil-free) racing slicks – Grand-Am’s first foray into what Pirelli calls ‘green Performance’.

Twenty-four cars tested the new tyres on the storied 3.56-mile Daytona road circuit, and Pirelli says that feedback from drivers was encouraging. Although official lap times were not released by Grand-Am, unofficially, Max Angelelli was the quickest driver in the Daytona Prototype category. “I’m very happy,” commented Angelelli after the test. “The new tyres for 2010 seem to work really well. They can take so many laps that it’s almost unbelievable.”

Drivers in the GT class echoed their Daytona Prototype counterparts in their praise for the greener P Zeros.  Robin Liddell unofficially turned in the fastest GT time in the No. 97 Stevenson Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro GT.R, and was quick to credit the new Pirelli tyre. “As usual, it went very, very well,” Liddell said. “We’ve come to expect good performance and consistency [from Pirelli] and this test is no different. We’re very confident in the product.”

Pirelli Motorsport says that its return to Daytona for testing highlights the intense preparation and development of the new 2010 specification P Zero. The run-up to the manufacturer’s third season as the Official Tire Supplier to Grand-Am’s Rolex Sports Car Series is also, it adds, the introduction of “green performance to the racing capital of the world.”

“It’s great to be back at Daytona,” said Tom Gravalos, vice president of Motorsport, Marketing and OE Sales for Pirelli Tire North America. “Our new 2010 spec P Zero Racing Slick has proven to be consistent, durable and very fast this week, and we’ve been able to put many miles on the new eco-friendly tyre. As Pirelli increases the percentage of environmentally sustainable products in its line-up from 20 per cent to 40 per cent by 2011, our Motorsport products are leading the way with highly aromatic oil-free compounds – proving that green performance is the fastest way ahead.  The teams have been very happy with the P Zero’s consistency, durability and speed.  We are definitely looking forward to the start of the 2010 Grand-Am season at the Rolex 24 in January. It’s going to be fast!”