Pirelli set to fly in Finland

Rally Finland is the fastest and most fearsome event of the entire calendar, characterised by fast gravel roads and sweeping rollercoaster crests. Because of its high average speeds, Rally Finland has been nicknamed " the Finnish Grand Prix" . The country is the spiritual home of rallying, and it is estimated that a fifth of the entire population turn out to watch their nation's round of the World Rally Championship! The surfaces consist of hard and compacted gravel which can be as smooth as a motorway. This puts the accent firmly on tyre performance, meaning that the rubber has to be capable of performing well at sustained high speeds. Weather conditions in Finland at this time are usually warm, but there is always a small possibility of rain. Finland is the third of four rallies this year where teams have to choose just one tyre pattern for the entire event (the others are Sardinia, Argentina and Japan), due to new FIA rules. Pirelli's three partner teams - Subaru, Peugeot and Mitsubishi - will have two types of tyre suggested to them for Finland: the K and the KP. As always, the P Zero range is equipped with Pirelli's EMI anti-deflation system. For smooth stages with compacted gravel K (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 2,4 and 6 (with evolution) Description: The K has a proven track record on the hard and compact surfaces of the Finnish stages. The K is the closest a gravel tyre becomes to being like a slick asphalt cover, and it works at its best on stages with little loose gravel. Three compounds are available in order to cope with a wide range of temperatures. In case of softer surfaces or rain, the tyre can be hand-cut in order to be more effective. KP (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 2,4 and 6 (with evolution) Description: The KP is an alternative tyre choice for Finland, which works at its best in slightly wetter or softer conditions than those ideally suited to the K. Again, a wide selection of compounds is available in to cater for an ample range of temperatures, and the tyres can be hand-cut to disperse water and loose gravel more effectively. NB. The higher the step number, the softer the tyre compound. Junior World Rally Championship Finland is the fifth round of the Junior World Rally Championship, equipped exclusively by Pirelli. The JWRC cars will have at their disposal high-durability KM4 tyres (the championship rules do not allow anti-deflation mousse). This tyre is a strong all-round choice which will work well in a variety of conditions, but especially in the warm weather which is expected to prevail. More information and photographs on Pirelli's motor sport activities: www.pirellicompetizioni.com