Michele tassone brings Pirelli its first rally title of 2015 in San Marino

Paolo Andreucci and Anna Andreussi

The San Marino Rally, the latest round of the Italian Rally Championship, brought a double celebration for Pirelli. Not only did Paolo Andreucci and Anna Andreussi win the event in their Pirelli-equipped Peugeot 208 T16, but Pirelli also mathematically clinched the Italian Junior Championship (for drivers up to 25) thanks to Michele Tassone and Daniele Michi. With one round left to go, Tassone and Michi have now put the destiny of the title beyond doubt. This is the first step of Pirelli’s title defence in the Italian Rally Championship, which resulted in the Italian firm claiming the driver and manufacturer titles last year, as well as the production and junior categories. Tassone clinched his fourth win in San Marino from five rallies, meaning that the Peugeot Italia 208 R2 driver can now no longer be caught by his rivals. He also secured an excellent ninth overall on the event. Andreucci and Andreussi secured their third overall win of the season after a hard-fought and intelligent rally during which the tyre choice for their factory Peugeot 208 T16 was crucial. Andreucci was forced to open the road and sweep it clean of loose rocks, choosing the Scorpion K4 for the first part of the rally. This tyre is characterized by an extremely strong structure allied to a tread pattern specifically designed to disperse loose gravel, which has been tried and tested on World Rally Championship events. During the final part of the San Marino Rally, Andreucci used Pirelli’s Scorpion XR: well known as the Italian firm’s rapid ‘racing gravel’ tyre.

Michele Tassone and Daniele Micchi

Pirelli product manager Terenzio Testoni commented: “We’re delighted with this early Junior title from Michele, as it underlines our philosophy of supporting young drivers at every level. Paolo’s overall win was also down to some well judged tyre choices at different crucial moments throughout the event. Our technologically advanced products are sufficiently versatile to give our competitors the right tyre for every occasion. With strong performances in the World Rally Championship as well as the European Rally Championship, we’re hoping to continue this winning streak at the next round of the Italian Rally Championship on asphalt, in order to successfully defend the sweep of titles we won last year.” The demanding series now takes a break, resuming with the Rally Friuli-Alpi Orientali at the beginning of September.

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For further information please contact: Anthony Peacock • +44 7765 896 930 • anthony@mediaticaworld.com