Pirelli tyres stay strong in Argentina as Fabre seals another WRC3 win

Fabre claimed another WRC3 win with Pirelli

Despite having only a small number of competitors in Argentina, many of whom were affected by mechanical problems, the Pirelli Scorpion K gravel tyres that were brought for the latest round of the World Rally Championship proved to be remarkably resistant to the tough challenges put before them. At this time of year in Argentina the season is autumn, heading for winter. However, conditions were harsh even by Argentine winter standards with rough gravel roads and sharp rocks littering the surface - one of which caused former leader Jari-Matti Latvala to be pitched into a series of rolls. Despite these exceptionally hard conditions, not a single one of the 290 Pirelli tyres brought to the event was affected by punctures. As a result, a notable success for the Italian firm was another WRC3 victory for veteran Frenchman Michel Fabre, who enjoyed a perfect run through the demanding stages in his two-wheel drive Citroen DS3 R3T: the Pirelli tyres overcoming the lack of grip and traction, as well as the numerous hazards. Pirelli's World Rally Car runners suffered mechanical setbacks, but were still extremely pleased with the performance of their tyres. However, one of the biggest satisfactions for Pirelli was the debut victory of Hayden Paddon, driving for Hyundai.

Where it all began for Hayden Paddon: Pirelli Star Driver in 2010

The New Zealander first came to prominence through the Pirelli Star Driver scheme, set up to identify the future heroes of the sport by Pirelli in collaboration with the FIA in 2009. After being given his break in the sport by the programme, he finally achieved his first overall WRC victory in Argentina. Pirelli’s rally activity manager Terenzio Testoni said: “The Scorpion KSB soft and K4 medium compounds proved to be extremely capable, in some of the toughest conditions ever seen in Argentina. In fact, despite the severity of the roads, we experienced no punctures at all. Unfortunately, many of our top competitors such as Lorenzo Bertelli suffered technical problems that did not give them the opportunity to shine, but we were delighted to see Michel Fabre confirm his grip on the WRC3 championship, with our tyres enabling his two-wheel drive Citroen to overcome all the hazards of this year’s route. Big congratulations from all of us to Hayden Paddon as well, who thoroughly deserves his first win. We all feel very proud to have launched his international career via the Pirelli Star Driver scheme.” The next round of the championship takes place in Portugal on gravel from 19-22 May.

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