Pirelli hopes for Turkish delight

Pirelli hopes for Turkish delight Milan, 27 May 2005 - After the rough surfaces and savage heat of Cyprus, the Pirelli-equipped crews will face similar conditions in Turkey. However, Turkey is quicker and more varied than Cyprus, with a wider range of speeds, surfaces and corners. Most stages are still incredibly rough and aggressive, with large rocks frequently pulled out onto the ideal line. Turkey also contains a number of water splashes, putting the emphasis on traction and grip. In common with Cyprus, temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees centigrade, testing the durability and wear rate of tyres to the maximum. Pirelli's three teams - Subaru, Peugeot and Mitsubishi - will have to choose two from three types of tyre suggested for Turkey: the XR, the KP and the K. As always, the P Zero range will be equipped with Pirelli's EMI anti-deflation system. For rough stages with rocky gravel XR (Size: 225/55-15) Steps: 3 and 5 (with evolutions) Description: The XR is the toughest tyre in the Pirelli range, designed to withstand extremes of temperature and high wear. The XR3 will be the base tyre for Turkey, but for cooler conditions - such as those in the morning - the softer XR5 is available. For soft stages or wet conditions K (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 2 and 4 Description: The K can be used in the event of wetter or softer conditions, and can be hand-cut to disperse water and loose gravel more effectively. The K4 is available for the coolest conditions. For soft stages or wet conditions KP (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 2 and 4 Description: The KP is an alternative choice for wetter or softer conditions, generally designed for softer surfaces than the K. NB. The higher the step number, the softer the tyre compound. The Production Car World Championship Turkey is the fourth round of the Production Car World Championship. The majority of Pirelli runners have chosen to run with especially reinforced XR3 tyres, as the rules do not allow Group N cars to use anti-deflation mousse. An alternative tyre choice in the event of wetter conditions is the K2. More information and photographs on Pirelli's motor sport activities: www.pirellicompetizioni.com