First Prometeon-branded Serie 02 tyres debut on Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia

Prometeon Tyre Group launched the first Prometeon-branded Serie 02 tyres, the S02 Pista, into one of the toughest testing crucibles in the world, the Saudi Arabian Dakar Rally. Four Italtrans and Tibau team trucks equipped the Prometeon S02 Pista on 5-19 January, marking Prometeon’s first official participation in a competition. Roberto Righi, CEO of Prometeon Tyre Group, said launching “a product in what is regarded as the world’s toughest race for trucks” marked “an important step” in the company’s history.

The Prometeon Pista S02 (Photo: Prometeon Tyre Group)

The Prometeon S02 Pista is part of the new Serie 02 range, with which it shares the same technological package. The tyre is designed to offer great structural integrity for the most extreme off-road applications. Compared to the product it replaces (PS22), the speed rating has been increased from 90 km/h to 110 km/h, while retaining the same load capacity. The product features an entirely redesigned tread pattern, which increases its duration and structural resistance at cruising speed (90-100 km/h), since the tyre must withstand greater stresses at higher speeds. However, this improved resilience does not affect the tyre’s grip or mud expulsion capacity when used in the most extreme conditions. The S-shaped tread design guarantees progressive contact with the terrain, improving comfort and reducing noise when driving on asphalt.

The new Prometeon S02 Pista tyre can also operate at low pressures and can be equipped with runflat and bead lock systems, on all types of terrain including asphalt, sand, gravel, grass and marshy or uneven terrain. Available in size 14.00 R20, it boasts a load capacity of 10 tonnes when used on its own, and 18 tonnes in the twin-tyre configuration. The load index is 164/160K and the speed index K.

The Italtrans Racing Team Rally division fitted the tyre to two Iveco Powerstar class T5.1 Prototype Cross-Country Trucks. The team is run by one of the leading companies in the logistics and temperature-controlled transport sectors, with a turnover of 460 million euro in 2022.

The Spanish Tibau Team is a veteran of many rallies; founder Rafa Tibau Maynou has participated in the Dakar Rally 33 times. Two of its trucks were equipped with Prometeon S02 Pista tyres, both MAN TGA: one in class T5.2 Race Service Assistance Trucks, the other in class T6 Support Trucks, fitted a trailer and used to support racing trucks.