Pirelli ready for antipodean challenge

Rally New Zealand is a landmark event for Pirelli: where the all-new KP tyre won on its debut last year in the hands of Petter Solberg. New Zealand is a classic gravel event, famous for its flowing stages with rollercoaster crests and off-camber corners. The roads consist of medium to fast loose gravel, but weather conditions are frequently variable, with rain a common occurrence. The surfaces are not especially abrasive and the rally is not mechanically demanding. However, utmost concentration is required from the driver in order to find an effective rhythm. Pirelli's three teams - Subaru, Peugeot and Mitsubishi - will be using three types of tyre in New Zealand: the KP, the K and the XR. As always, the P Zero range will be equipped with Pirelli's EMI anti-deflation system. FOR STAGES WITH LOOSE GRAVEL KP (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 2, 4 and 6 (with evolutions) Description: The KP2 will be the base tyre in New Zealand for normal conditions with loose gravel on top of a hard road surface. It works well in a wide range of temperatures, while the inique construction and pattern also enable it to cope with damp patches. Hand-cutting is available to disperse larger quantities of water. FOR STAGES WITH LESS LOOSE GRAVEL K (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 2 only Description: The K is for faster stages with less loose gravel. It can also be used for the second run through stages. The rubber is well-known for its durability, working well throughout a wide range of conditions and can be hand-cut to disperse water. FOR STAGES WITH MORE ABRASIVE SURFACES XR (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 3 only Description: The XR is the toughest tyre in the P Zero range, previously only used for hot and rough rallies. But new development work has made it equally effective on medium to fast gravel rallies which contain a hard and abrasive base. It will be used on the cleanest stages, with little loose gravel. NB. The higher the step number, the softer the tyre compound. GROUP N New Zealand is the second round of the Production Car World Championship. The majority of Pirelli runners have chosen to run with KP2 and KM4 tyres, which are renowned for their versatility. The KP tyre makes its New Zealand debut in Group N, having won overall last year. More information and photographs on Pirelli's motor sport activities: www.pirellicompetizioni.com