Pirelli launches MINI Challenge supply

Pirelli has supplied its first MINI Challenge event at the MotorSport Vision Racing Media Day. Hosted by Brands Hatch on Tuesday, former MINI Challenge champion Lee Allen in a Pirelli-branded MINI John Cooper Works among others demonstrated the tyres to gathered media representatives. For the Challenge’s drivers, this was the first chance to try out the new Pirelli tyres, and thanks to damp morning conditions were able to sample both the Pirelli 225/625-17 WH wet tyre and the 225/625-17 DH slick tyre; the latter used as the track dried out in the afternoon. There are two classes within the MINI Challenge: the turbocharged JCW class and the Club class. The Pirelli RX5 15” intermediate tyre is also used for the less powerful Club class. The first round of the championship takes place at Silverstone on 14 April.

Paul Harvey, managing director of series promoter Total Track said: “The drivers were delighted with their first taste of the Pirelli tyres, in terms of grip, performance and durability. Both in the wet and in the dry the tyres gave plenty of feedback, even though the conditions were very tricky: up until yesterday we were shovelling snow off the pit lane! We’re looking forward to some even more thrilling races this year as we enter this important new partnership with Pirelli, bringing two iconic brands together.”
 
Pirelli UK’s motorsport manager Carl Naylor said: “It was great to kick off the MINI Challenge season with the press day at Brands Hatch, which enabled the competitors to sample the tyres that they will use this year. We’re delighted to welcome MINI to the Pirelli family: a manufacturer that Pirelli supplies as original equipment. MINIs have always been an integral part of the scene in Britain and this latest series is an important new addition to our motorsport portfolio.”

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