Dmack Completes WRC Gravel Tyre Evaluation
Dmack Tyres reports that it recently completed its first major evaluation of its WRC specification gravel tyre during a two-day test session in Latvia last week. The test was conducted by Dmack’s official driver (three-time British Rally Champion Mark Higgins) to assess the tyres in terms of high and low speed handling, compound consistency and durability before deciding on the exact final specification.
DMACK’s world rally championship specification 205/65-R15 gravel tyre in G4 compound was used both days on the WRC and Group N rally cars supplied by its technical partner MML Sports. The test road on the first day reportedly had a soft surface with a mix of fast and slow corners while on the second day conditions were faster with a hard base and loose gravel surface. Performance and durability was found to be comparable with other motorsport brands.
The first batch of gravel tyres will be available for teams to test in October. Feedback will be collated and used to determine the final specification before full production gets underway in December. Tarmac tyres are currently undergoing evaluation and will be available for use by competitors in November.
Dick Cormack, Dmack Tyres motorsport director, said: “The test last week was very successful and met our expectations with regards to the performance of the new tyres. We still have a lot of further testing planned on a full range of surfaces and conditions but last week’s results really helped us evaluate some key aspects of the compound and the general handling characteristics. We want teams and competitors to start using the tyres soon so we can gather their feedback and confirm the final specification for the gravel tyres.’’
Mark Higgins, Dmack Tyres test driver, said: “I was very impressed with not only the performance of the tyres but also the feeling they gave – which is very important from a driver’s point of view. The stability gave me confidence in the fast sections and through high speed corners. Generally it was an extremely positive test and we should have a very good product for competitors to try.”
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