Pirelli aims for the top in Sanremo with Andreucci, Chardonnet and Perico

Pirelli will have three top drivers at its disposal as it aims to win one of the most significant events in Italian motorsport this weekend: the Sanremo Rally. Leading the entry list is multiple champion Paolo Andreucci, along with current championship leader Alessandro Perico and series newcomer Sebastien Chardonnet. The 26-year-old Frenchman has chosen Pirelli and the Italian Rally Championship as part of the next stage of his stellar career, having won last year’s Junior World Rally Championship. Andreucci and Perico will each drive a Peugeot 208 T16, while Chardonnet takes the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R5. In order to give them the best possible chance of victory over the challenging Ligurian roads, the drivers will benefit from Pirelli’s latest rally tyres. The weather is expected to stay dry this weekend, but changeable conditions have been a hallmark of Sanremo in the past and there are many hazards to catch out the unwary.

Paolo Andreucci ready to take on the Sanremo Rally

For the medium abrasive asphalt on the first day, the cars will use Pirelli’s RX7B tyres: a medium compound dry tyre for temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees. For the more abrasive asphalt on day two, the RX5D hard compound tyre will be available, ideal for ambient temperatures of 20 degrees upwards. The weather will be a decisive factor in the tyre choice for the 45.72-kilometre Ronde stage run at night: one of the most demanding and complex stages in Europe. As well as overall victory, Pirelli is also aiming for success in the two-wheel drive category, as was the case on the opening round of the championship at the Rally del Ciocco. The Sanremo historic rally will also run alongside the main event, which is a round of the FIA Historic European Rally Championship as well as the Italian historic series. Pirelli will be aiming to continue its run of success in both championships to date. Pirelli’s racing manager Mario Isola commented: “Sanremo forms a crucial part of our rallying history and with the historic event joining the modern rally, this showcases the 360-degree approach that we take to the sport, supplying winning products for both championships, using our latest technology. With mixed conditions, varied surfaces, and a 45-kilometre stage run at night, Sanremo remains a true test of cars, drivers, and tyres that is worthy of its worldwide reputation.” The Sanremo Rally takes place from 10-11 April, covering 17 asphalt stages in total.

** For further information about Pirelli please contact Anthony Peacock on +44 7765 896 930 or anthony@mediaticaworld.com