Pirelli WJ tyre to debut on Arctic Rally

Pirelli’s new rally tyre for snow and ice, which has studs longer than 8mm, will make its first appearance this weekend. Fitted to R5 cars on the Arctic Rally from 15-16 January, the Sottozero Ice WJ debuts at the opening round of the Finnish Rally Championship. Its long titanium-tipped studs are locked into place using Pirelli’s patented vulcanisation process for retention. A new tread pattern design helps the tyre to capitalise on the increased grip supplied by the studs. Pirelli says the new tyre will be available commercially for national championships run in extreme winter conditions, such as those run in the Scandinavian and Baltic regions. It is suitable for R5, R2 and historic rally vehicles.

The Arctic Rally is held near Rovaniemi in the north of Finland. The snow event has seen temperatures dipping lower than -30 degrees centigrade. Drivers in the R5 class using Pirelli’s new tyre on the Arctic Rally include teenage ace Oliver Solberg, in his first event with Hyundai, as well as reigning Finnish champion Teemu Asunmaa in a Skoda Fabia and rising star Mikko Heikkila in another Skoda.

Another version of the new Sottozero Ice WJ will be available for two-wheel drive cars and historic cars, underlining its suitability for all types of traction. However, both variants are for national championships only, meaning this tyre will not be seen on the World Rally Championship – which Pirelli will supply exclusively from this year – nor on World Rally Cars.

Pirelli’s rally activity manager Terenzio Testoni said: “The distinctive studs on the new Sottozero Ice WJ are the longest we have ever produced on a rally tyre. These have the effect of increasing penetration, maximising grip, and therefore improving safety in some of the most challenging conditions on earth – without compromising stud retention. The Arctic Rally is a legendary event with more than 200 kilometres of snow and ice action, making it the perfect place to showcase the stunning capabilities of our new product.”

The Arctic Rally gets underway on Friday 15 January at 12:00 with three special stages. Four more stages await on Saturday 16 January – one of which exceeds 42 kilometres – before the finish on Saturday evening at 18:20.