A new structure to improve front-end performance
 
“After Aragón, we will continue the Moto2™ front tyre development programme at Misano. At a circuit that we know very well, which hosts competitions in several categories and numerous manufacturers’ tests, we will introduce a new solution: the F0749 specification. This tyre also belongs to the ‘soft’ family, but it differs substantially from the E1089 used two weeks ago at Aragón: while the latter retained the structure of the standard SC1 combined with a new compound, the F0749 instead features a new structure paired with the soft compound of the standard SC1.
The work carried out by Pirelli engineers has focused on the goal of providing riders with greater stability, a particularly important aspect at a circuit that features the fastest corner on the championship calendar, as well as improved braking performance. The front tyre allocation, completed by the standard SC1, which was unanimously chosen by the riders last year, will allow for a direct and immediate comparison between the two solutions, enabling us to gather significant data to continue the development programme.
At the rear, the softer solutions are confirmed, having since entered the range under the SCX and SC0 names. It will therefore be interesting to assess their performance evolution both over race distance and on a single lap, the result of the continuous development work carried out by Pirelli engineers, also in collaboration with the teams”.

Suninen, co-driven by Antti Haapala in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, took the lead on Friday’s night stages and ended the opening day in first place. He subsequently remained among the frontrunners, managing a rally made particularly demanding by rain on some stages and constant changes in grip. The Finn finished second and sealed the title by winning the concluding Power Stage, making his championship lead over Andrea Mabellini, at the wheel of a Pirelli-equipped Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale and his direct rival in the title fight, unassailable.

Suninen’s success crowns a season built on consistency and the ability to be competitive on very different surfaces and routes. The Finn claimed his first ERC victory at Rally Poland and three second places at Rally di Roma Capitale, Barum Czech Rally Zlín and in Wales.

For reigning champion Pirelli, its second consecutive tyre manufacturers’ title comes at the end of a season contested on different surfaces, from asphalt to gravel, but almost always in high temperatures. Its drivers claimed three victories in the first four rounds and scored decisive points throughout the championship. Further adding to this tally are Ville Vatanen’s achievements: as well as winning the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy at the Barum, he was crowned ERC3 champion in Wales at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally3. Winning the Trophy will enable him to make his debut in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 at the final round of the season in Portugal, thanks to the prize offered by Pirelli and M-Sport.

“Winning the title with one round to spare is a result of great significance,” commented Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “Suninen put together an extremely solid season, combining speed, consistency and race management, as he also demonstrated here in Wales. His results, together with those of Andrea Mabellini and all our drivers, enabled us to retain the tyre manufacturers’ title. These results, together with Vatanen’s achievements, reward the work carried out throughout the year by a close-knit and passionate team, as well as our ongoing commitment to innovation in products capable of delivering performance and reliability for cars from different manufacturers and on widely differing surfaces.”

SCORPION MX SOFT. Available exclusively in rear sizes, including minicross fitments, it is the ideal choice for the most demanding competition on sand, mud and clay, when paired with a SCORPION™ MX32™ Mid Soft front tyre.

SCORPION™ MX32™ MID SOFT. Available in front and rear sizes, it is designed for professional and amateur riders tackling medium-soft terrain, from mud and grass to loose soil. The previous generation also remains available in STADIUM versions for supercross and in minicross fitments.

SCORPION™ MX32™ MID HARD. Available in front and rear sizes, it is ideal for medium to hard terrain, from compact ground to gravelly surfaces. A dedicated STADIUM version is also available for supercross.

SCORPION MX EXTRA X. Designed for training, it offers outstanding versatility on both medium-soft and medium-hard surfaces, delivering an excellent balance of performance, durability and reliability.

Production SCX confirms its outstanding versatility and competitiveness

"The FIM Superbike World Championship French Round concludes with excellent results for the tyres across all categories, both in terms of outright lap times and consistency and performance over race distance. Compared to a year ago, when Pirelli provided Superbike riders with the same softer solutions, then still development tyres and now promoted to the production range, the comparison highlights a significant improvement in performance.
Both the SCX supersoft rear and the SCQ extrasoft allowed riders to achieve outstanding results, enabling them to lap at a much faster pace than a year ago. The average improvement in race lap times was one second in today’s Race 2, up to the point when the red flag was shown. Even over a single lap, Bulega’s time in the Superpole Race, when he went faster than Razgatlioğlu’s outright record set in qualifying last year with the SCQ development tyre in E0479 specification, provides further evidence of the extensive development work resulting from the close collaboration between Pirelli engineers and engineers from the various manufacturers.
By now, we are well aware of the SCX’s outright competitiveness, even in situations with significantly different temperatures. In this respect, today’s Superpole Race grid being evenly split between riders choosing the extrasoft SCQ and those opting for the SCX confirms that Pirelli’s products allow riders to make alternative choices while remaining equally competitive”.

Pirelli’s softer production rear tyres highly effective at Magny-Cours

"Confirming the progress seen throughout the season, this first race day of the French Round of the FIM Superbike World Championship also saw a significant overall improvement in performance compared to 2025. In the morning, with cooler temperatures, Bulega was able to make the most of the grip offered by the production extrasoft SCQ rear tyre, setting a new Magny-Cours lap record in qualifying and improving the benchmark set by Razgatlioğlu last year by more than six tenths, with the E0479, then a development solution and now promoted to production specification. In addition to Bulega, three other riders also broke the previous record, confirming the excellent level of performance offered by the softest solution in the Pirelli range. It will be interesting to see how many riders choose to use this solution in tomorrow’s Superpole Race, where Alex Lowes secured third place last year.
There was also significant progress, both in terms of outright lap times and performance over race distance, for the production supersoft SCX, which last year, as the E0126 development specification, had proved to be the winning solution in all three races. Bridewell’s fortunately consequence-free incident led to a shortened race distance, but after the restart Bulega confirmed his excellent feeling with the SCX, improving the race lap record by almost half a second. Tomorrow it will be interesting to assess race pace over the full 21-lap distance, providing a better measure of the progress made from one year to the next, thanks to the intensive development work carried out by Pirelli engineers and the technicians of the various teams".

Following their double podium at the Barum Czech Rally Zlín, Suninen leads the championship with 108 points at the wheel of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, while Mabellini lies second on 83 points in the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.

Although created only a few years ago, the rally offers a traditional-style challenge, with narrow and technical roads, uneven surfaces and constant changes of pace. Fast sections through the valleys and across the uplands alternate with stretches where driving precision and the ability to read the surface become crucial. The 16 special stages cover a total of 196 competitive kilometres across the counties of Ceredigion and Powys.

The weather represents one of the main uncertainties of the rally, with highly variable conditions and moderate to low temperatures, at least during the first part of the weekend. The latest forecasts indicate light, scattered rain and the possibility of alternating wet, damp and dry asphalt.

The rally will immediately get under way in earnest on Friday evening. Following the shakedown and Qualifying Stage, the crews will tackle two runs through the Aberystwyth Street Stage before the night-time Elerch and Blaenmelindwr stages. Saturday, the longest day of the rally, will feature two runs through Cwm Elan, a 21.8-kilometre stage across the Elan Valley. On Sunday, the second run through Ty Glyn will award Power Stage points.

For the Welsh rally, Pirelli will make the medium-compound P Zero RA7E and soft-compound P Zero RA7+D available to its crews, together with the Cinturato RWD in the event of rain.

“Ceredigion is a particularly complex rally because it does not have one single defining characteristic,” commented Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “The drivers must constantly switch from very fast sections to narrow and technical stretches, often on uneven surfaces. This year there is also a degree of weather uncertainty that we have not encountered at the previous rounds, all of which were characterised by high temperatures. The alternation between rain, damp conditions and dry asphalt will make it difficult to identify the best compromise in terms of both tyre choice and car set-up. Friday’s night stages may also influence the decisions. The medium provides consistency and precision on the faster and more demanding sections, while the soft offers a solution suited to lower temperatures and reduced grip.”

In addition to Suninen and Mabellini, newly crowned ERC3 champion Ville Vatanen, at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally3, and Max McRae in a Škoda Fabia RS will also compete on Pirelli tyres.

New race benchmarks and a successful debut for the new front tyre

“The Aragon GP confirmed the significant progress seen in recent races in both categories, with overall performance and outright lap times setting new records even at a circuit that is particularly demanding on tyres. In Moto2™, the improvement was clear both in terms of lap times and over race distance, as the new race time was four tenths of a second faster and the race time was 8 seconds faster. While the choice of the SCX supersoft range compound at the rear was unanimous, introducing the new E1089 development specification to this race as an alternative to the SC1 soft range compound at the front proved to be a positive decision, as demonstrated by Guevara's second-place finish. He had appreciated its performance since the opening free practice sessions. This result, together with those achieved by the other riders who chose to race with this new specification and finished in strong positions, will allow us to gather valuable data as we continue our development work.
The progress was equally evident in the Moto3™ race, where almost the entire grid opted for the SC2 medium range compound on both axles. The figures speak for themselves: the race was as much as 18 seconds faster than last year's, with an improvement of more than one second per lap on average, as well as a new race lap record improved by more than two tenths of a second”.

A positive debut for the new Moto2™ front tyre

“MotorLand Aragón is a particularly demanding circuit for tyres, where tyres need to deliver balanced performance throughout every phase of the lap. In the opening sessions on Friday, the track surface was quite dirty, but as the circuit evolved, performance improved rapidly: the previous Moto2™ lap record was already broken in Practice and then lowered further in the following sessions, with Alonso López's pole position improving last year’s record by more than half a second. The SCX supersoft rear is softer than the E0125 soft development solution – now promoted to the SC0 range – which was the unanimous choice last year. This helped riders lower their lap times quickly. The new E1089 soft development front tyre, which features the same structure as the SC1 range tyre but a different compound, also provided positive feedback, as demonstrated by Izan Guevara’s second-place finish in qualifying, with the Spanish rider also comfortably beating the previous lap record. For tomorrow’s race, we expect around one third of the riders on the grid to choose this new solution, which has been particularly appreciated for its tendency to offer improved stability under braking as the race progresses, providing an interesting direct comparison with those who will instead opt for the SC1 range tyre.
In Moto3™, where a new lap record was set in the closing stages of qualifying, the medium SC2 compound is proving to be the most competitive option from a race perspective, both at the front and rear. Their combination of stability, durability and consistent performance makes them the most complete solution to emerge so far, which is why we expect the vast majority of riders to choose this option.”

Development focus on the front at Aragón
 
“At Aragón, we will focus on gathering data on the development work we are carrying out on the front tyres. Moto2™ riders will have a new front solution in the E1089 specification, which will be available alongside the SC1 soft from the range. It shares the same structure but differs through a new compound, which also belongs to the soft family. This new tyre has been designed to offer greater stability, particularly under braking: an especially important aspect at a circuit like Aragón, where braking zones are among the most demanding phases due to the characteristics of the track. 
With the SC1 from the range available as an alternative, riders will be able to make a direct comparison between the two solutions, which will be useful not only to assess their performance over the race weekend but also to further our development work.
There will also be new options at the rear compared with last year’s race, when Moto2™ had two soft-compound solutions available. This year we have decided to introduce the SCX supersoft from the range, which will be joined by the new SC0 soft from the range. One year ago in June, when it was still known as the E0125 development specification, the SC0 was unanimously chosen for the race. In light of the data collected at the recent Superbike round, the supersoft solution should offer riders improved performance, not only over a single lap but also over race distance”.

Andrea Mabellini produced a thrilling finish. Having opened the rally by winning the Zlín city super special, the Italian ended the weekend by also claiming victory on the Power Stage. By doing so, he made up the deficit to his direct rival in the title fight and took the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale onto the third step of the podium.

The result consolidates Suninen and Mabellini’s positions at the top of the drivers’ standings and strengthens Pirelli’s lead in the tyre suppliers’ classification.

“The Barum subjected tyres and cars to a particularly severe test, with 13 special stages and more than 200 competitive kilometres tackled on demanding surfaces and in unusually high temperatures,” commented Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “The hard compound, selected as the primary option for the weekend, delivered consistent performance and reliability through to the final stage. These results confirm the competitiveness of our product and allow us to approach the closing phase of the championship from an even stronger position.”

The Barum Czech Rally Zlín also decided the Pirelli-supported ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy title. Ville Vatanen claimed the crown after also winning the Trophy classification at the rally.

Twenty-three of the 73 crews entered for the ERC round will use Pirelli tyres. They include the leading contenders in the title fight: Teemu Suninen, who heads the standings with 80 points following his victory in Poland in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, and Andrea Mabellini, second on 57 points in the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. Marco Bulacia will also line up on Pirelli tyres in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.

The Barum Rally features 13 special stages covering a total of 205.79 timed kilometres. The route alternates very fast sections with narrow and twisty stretches, on asphalt ranging from smooth surfaces to uneven and deteriorated sections. It also includes several gravel sections, where significant time gaps were recorded last year. Unlike previous editions, this year the route is completely dry on the eve of the rally, with high temperatures forecast for the weekend.

The rally will begin on Friday with qualifying and the ceremonial start, followed by the traditional night-time super special stage through the centre of Zlín. Saturday will feature two passes over the Pohořelice, Troják and Bunč stages, while Sunday will take in Pindula, Semetín and Kateřinice, whose second pass will host the final Power Stage.

“The Barum is one of the most complete and demanding asphalt rallies in the championship,” commented Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “High speeds, constant changes of pace, an often uneven surface and the presence of several gravel sections require tyres capable of delivering precision, durability and grip in very different conditions. We will make the hard and soft options from the P Zero range available to our crews. Given the current conditions, with dry roads and high temperatures, the hard is the reference compound, while the soft completes the allocation. We arrive in Zlín leading the tyre suppliers’ standings and with Suninen and Mabellini occupying the top two places in the drivers’ standings: the objective is to continue what has so far been a very positive season.”

The Barum Czech Rally Zlín will also host the final round of the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, a competition supplied exclusively by Pirelli and dedicated to developing young drivers. P Zero tyres in hard and soft compounds will also be available for the Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars.

Records, fast and tight races with highly consistent tyre performance

"This weekend’s results are extremely positive for us and confirm the strength of our solutions across different conditions. In Moto2™, the all-time lap record was improved by more than six tenths of a second, and the race lap record by over 1.3 seconds. What’s more, 23 riders were faster than Canet’s previous 2024 record, highlighting the high level of performance achieved.
Despite the many head-to-heads and temperatures significantly higher than last year’s edition, the race was 24 seconds faster overall than in 2025, and 23 seconds faster than in 2024, with an average pace improvement of around 1.4 seconds per lap.
These results confirm the value of the new 2026 standard soft SC0 rear, which made its debut here at Silverstone last year as a development solution. This tyre has shown high-level performance both over a single lap and across race distance, maintaining consistent and uniform levels from start to finish, and confirming its effectiveness across a wide range of operating temperatures.
The Moto3™ was also very good, with a race that was equally fast, and the overall race time improved by over 13 seconds on the 2025 edition.
A crucial aspect to highlight is the fact that these results were not achieved with prototype tyres, but with standard products, readily available on the market, confirming the tangible technology transfer from racing products to motorcyclists lines".

The standard rear SC0, which debuted right here in Silverstone in 2025, sets the new Moto2™ record

“The choice of compounds for this In Moto2™Grand Prix was clear since Friday morning, with all riders going for the soft SC1 front and SC0 rear combo in FP1, and then keeping it for all subsequent sessions. The data collected confirms that these solutions are effective both over a single lap and in terms of consistency, so we expect them to be the main choices in the race as well, as was already the case in the last two Silverstone editions.
Particularly significant is the result achieved by the standard SC0 rear, which, after making its debut at this circuit in 2025 as the E0125 development specification, contributed to this year’s new all-time Moto2™ lap record set by Guevara, more than six tenths faster than the previous record achieved last year by Gonzalez.
In Moto3™, the picture is more open and all compounds could potentially be used, as proven by the riders’ choices in qualifying. Ogden came very close to the lap record in qualifying with soft SC1 both front and rear, although the medium SC2 has proved to be the most balanced solution in terms of wear, and we believe it will be the most popular choice on the grid tomorrow.
So far, temperatures have remained relatively mild, and even though they are expected to be slightly hotter tomorrow, we do not expect any significant impact on the tyre’s behaviour or performance”.

Suninen’s Škoda Fabia moved into the lead almost immediately at the revamped Rally Poland, leaving even the specialists of Silesian asphalt roads facing a hard-pressed but ultimately futile pursuit. The Finn, who won five of the 14 special stages contested, never looked likely to relinquish the lead, delivering a measured and strategically flawless drive while keeping the Lancia Y of Mabellini, his direct rival for the FIA ERC title, at a safe distance.

Pirelli also helped Adrien Rzeznik to victory in the classification for drivers competing in the Polish championship.

“The season is proving extremely positive and highly rewarding for us. The fact that we have won three rallies so far with three different tyre combinations confirms the strength of our entire product range,” said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “In Poland, our strategy of nominating the softer tyres from the P Zero asphalt range proved successful: the soft RA7+D and the medium RA7E enabled our drivers to secure victory in their respective categories. The medium tyre was particularly decisive thanks to its versatility and reliability in all racing conditions, proving to be the right choice both in the cooler morning temperatures and in the warmer conditions of the afternoon.”

Finnish driver Ville Vatanen won the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, for which Pirelli is the sole tyre supplier and technical partner.

Pirelli heads to Poland leading the tyre suppliers’ standings following the one-two finish secured by Roberto Daprà and Teemu Suninen at Rally di Roma Capitale. The Milan-based company also equips the top three drivers in the provisional European Championship standings: Suninen leads with 48 points, ahead of Giandomenico Basso on 45 and Andrea Mabellini on 33.

The leading Pirelli-equipped drivers competing in Poland include Suninen and Marco Bulacia, both in Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 cars, and Andrea Mabellini at the wheel of the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF.

“Rally Poland has changed completely compared with its most recent editions,” said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “The move from Masuria to Silesia presents an entirely new challenge for everyone. Speed will remain a defining feature, but long stages such as Gmina Jasienica and Hażlach will alternate with highly technical sections and changes of surface such as the one at Ochaby. The medium RA7E is likely to be the benchmark choice thanks to its balance and consistent performance, while the soft RA7+D will provide an effective option in cooler conditions or when grip levels are lower.”

For the Polish event, Pirelli will supply its crews with P Zero asphalt tyres in the medium RA7E and soft RA7+D compounds, together with the Cinturato RWD wet-weather tyre in the event of rain.

Rally Poland is also the fourth round of the season for the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, for which Pirelli is the sole tyre supplier and technical partner. The Milan-based company thus reaffirms its commitment to supporting competitions for young talent and entry-level categories in international rallying.

Major improvements in both classes compared with previous editions
 
“Today’s races confirmed what had already emerged over the first two days at Sachsenring. In Moto2™, both medium development rear tyres compounds proved competitive, while in Moto3™, the SC2 once again confirmed itself as the reference solution for both front and rear.
For the intermediate class, the rear tyre choice was determined above all by all riders individual preference, rather than by any clear performance indication, as it often happens when the available solutions deliver very similar levels of performance. Those who opted for the D0922 specification - including the three podium riders - chose a familiar and extensively proven solution that has consistently delivered excellent results in the past. Both specifications showed a very positive and broadly equivalent performance, with the final outcome basically depending on each rider’s interpretation and performance.
A particularly significant aspect is the overall performance level shown by the two categories. In Moto3™, the race was clearly faster than in 2025. In Moto2™ the most accurate comparison should be done with the 2024, as last year’s edition was run over a shorter distance. Here too, the improvement was clear. Finally, further confirming the high-performance level achieved, new race lap records were set in both classes, with Holgado improving the previous Moto2™ record by more than one second.”

Both medium rear tyres confirm their competitive streak in Moto2™
 
"The first two days at the Sachsenring were very useful for gathering data and feedback on the two medium compound development rear solutions provided to Moto2™ riders. The D0922 specification is an already well-established solution, and has been used successfully on this very track last season as well, while the new F0468 made its first appearance with Moto2™ riders on Friday. While they both employ the same compound, their structure differs.
The feedback received from the riders broadly confirms the expectations that emerged during the development phase. The D0922 offers a slightly higher level of initial grip, and this made it the preferred choice for qualifying, and allowed the new all-time lap record to be set. While the F0468, despite providing a slightly lower grip in the opening laps, allows managing wear more effectively and ensures greater performance consistency over the distance. This is why we believe the new solution will be the main choice for many riders in tomorrow’s race. As for the front, the soft SC1 continues to be the go-to option for the entire grid.
In Moto3™, on the other hand, we expect the scenario to be roughly similar to what we have witnessed last season, with the medium SC2 being the almost unanimous choice for the back tyre, and also widely preferred at the front, although some riders may opt for the soft SC1, based on to their own set-ups and riding style".

Donington Park is a circuit where stability and grip make all the difference
 
“Donington Park is a very distinctive circuit and, in many respects, a unique venue on the FIM Superbike World Championship calendar. The opening part of the lap features a series of fast, flowing corners taken at high speed and rapid changes of direction that require riders to manage significant power while the bike is still heavily leaned over. This demands tyres capable of delivering outstanding grip, precision and stability, while maintaining consistent performance over race distance.
Compared with last year, when only standard range solutions were available and no development specifications were included, this season, while confirming the same compounds introduced in 2025, we will provide riders with the complete 2026 standard range. The SCQ extrasoft compound will be the softest option in the allocation and can be used not only in free practice and qualifying but also, potentially, in the Superpole Race. For the longer races, riders will be able to rely on the SCX supersoft and, should temperatures be lower, the SC0 soft compound—solutions that have already demonstrated throughout the season an excellent balance between outright performance and consistency, as reflected by the many new records that have been set.
Finally, the weather, which has historically been unpredictable in the UK, will once again be a key factor. Rain and low temperatures, even in the middle of summer, can have a major influence on tyre management and race strategies. Having a complete and versatile range available will therefore be essential to provide the best possible support in any weather conditions".

Sachsenring, a proving ground for medium compounds
 
“We return to the Sachsenring for the third consecutive year with a now well-established understanding of the characteristics of this track. It is one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar for tyres, particularly in terms of wear levels. For this reason, medium solutions have traditionally been the most suitable choice, guaranteeing the best compromise between resistance and consistent performance.
Last year, in Moto2™, all riders chose the D0922 specification, achieving very positive results, while in Moto3™ the preference fell on the SC2, the most resistant compound among those available. For 2026, we are introducing an interesting alternative for Moto2™: the F0468 development specification. Although it is new to this championship, this solution has already been used successfully in WorldSBK at Most, another circuit that is particularly severe on tyres.
The F0468 uses the same compound as the D0922, already well known and appreciated by the riders, but combines it with a new-generation structure developed to increase stability and consistency of performance over the entire race distance. It will be particularly interesting to analyse the direct comparison between these two specifications and see which of the two will best interpret the riders’ requirements and the characteristics of the Sachsenring”.

Roberto Daprà secured Pirelli’s fifth consecutive victory in as many editions and consolidated its lead in the ERC tyre manufacturers’ standings. He finished ahead of Teemu Suninen and Boštjan Avbelj, all driving Skoda Fabias. Giandomenico Basso, last year’s winner, finished behind them, also in a Skoda Fabia equipped with Pirelli tyres. At the end of the Rally di Roma Capitale, Suninen and Basso are first and second respectively in the provisional European Championship standings, followed by Andrea Mabellini, whose Lancia Ypsilon is also fitted with Pirelli tyres.

Daprà won four of the eleven special stages, including the second runs through the two most feared sections of the new route, Piana di Rascino (SS3 and SS6) and Vallecupola (SS2 and SS5), confirming his particular competitiveness on the roads of the Rieti area.

“It was a thrilling rally, which ended for us with a fifth consecutive victory in five years and six drivers in the top ten, achieved on a route that was completely new compared with previous editions,” commented Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “Our new P Zero Hard RA5C tyres demonstrated strong reliability and performance on these highly demanding stages, characterised by significant elevation changes and constant changes of pace.”

In the categories supplied exclusively by Pirelli, Craig Rahill won the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy round, while Gabriel Di Pietro, driving a Peugeot 208, claimed victory in the Pirelli Star Rally4 Trophy.

A total of 110 crews will start the event, 34 of them running on Pirelli tyres. This figure underlines the confidence placed in the Italian manufacturer, which has enjoyed numerous successes on the roads of the Rally di Roma Capitale and has already played a leading role in the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship season.

Among the leading drivers competing on Pirelli tyres are Teemu Suninen, Giandomenico Basso, Marco Bulacia and Roberto Daprà in Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 cars, Alessandro Mabellini and Andrea Crugnola in Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF cars, and Simone Campedelli in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

"This year's Rally di Roma Capitale is significantly different from previous editions," said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. "The new stages combine very fast sections with more technical stretches, featuring major elevation changes and constant variations in pace, making tyre choice and management even more crucial. On paper, the hard compound looks set to be the reference choice, but our P Zero range gives teams all the options they need to adapt to the different characteristics of the stages. We arrive in Rome after a very positive start to the European Championship season, with several crews capable of fighting for the leading positions."

For the Italian event, Pirelli will supply its P Zero asphalt range in hard (RA5C) and soft (RA7+D) compounds, together with the Cinturato RWD wet-weather tyre should rain affect the rally.

In Rome, Pirelli will also support the crews competing in the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, of which it is the exclusive tyre supplier, reaffirming its commitment to championships dedicated to young talents and the development categories of international rallying. Competitors in the series will have access to P Zero tyres in hard (RA5B), medium (RA7B) and soft (RA7+A) compounds, together with the Cinturato RW1D for wet conditions.

Closely fought races and solid performance from range tyres
 
“The Assen weekend was marked by extremely changeable weather conditions: after the very high temperatures recorded over the first two days, today we saw cooler, albeit still warm, conditions. The heavy rain that fell overnight between Saturday and Sunday helped lower the temperatures while at the same time returned the track to its initial state, resetting its evolution and removing the rubber previously laid down on the asphalt.
In Moto2™, as had already emerged from the opening sessions, all riders opted for the softest solutions available, using SC1 on the front and SC0 on the rear. This configuration helped produce a particularly hard-fought race right down to the final corner, confirming the high level of performance consistency delivered by the tyres.
In Moto3™, all the options proved highly competitive. Quiles was victorious with an unconventional choice, opting for medium SC2 tyres on both axles, while the podium was completed by two riders using soft SC1 tyres on both the front and rear. It was a brave choice from Quiles, one that put him at an initial disadvantage in the opening laps compared with riders on softer compounds, but proving decisive in the second half of the race thanks to the greater long-distance consistency of the medium rear. This allowed him to retake the lead and secure a thoroughly deserved win.”

Positive performance despite the low-grip asphalt caused by extreme temperatures
 
“The exceptional heatwave affecting the whole of Europe has not spared Assen, where particularly high air and track temperatures were recorded over the first two days. This is a circuit that generally offers reduced grip levels even in standard conditions. The extreme temperatures recorded, with the surface exceeding 50 °C, further reduced mechanical grip increasing the risk of sliding and spinning.
In this context, the soft compound solutions proved to be the most effective, thanks to their ability to adapt to the micro-irregularities of the surface, ensuring the best level of grip and traction, although Quiles took pole in Moto3™ with medium SC2 compound tyres both at the front and rear, bucking the trend. Looking ahead to the race, we expect the soft compounds to be widely used in Moto2™, with the SC1 at the front and the SC0 at the rear, while in Moto3™ the SC1 should be the benchmark for both axles, although in this category some riders will also opt for the medium SC2, particularly at the front.
Rainfall is forecast overnight, which could reset track evolution, while a significant drop in temperatures is expected tomorrow, potentially creating a very different scenario compared with what we have seen so far”.

With high temperatures, rear soft solutions are certainly favoured
 
“The Assen circuit represents a unique test bench on the calendar due to its extremely flowing layout, which requires riders to maintain a high and consistent pace throughout the lap. The particular configuration of the track mainly rewards cornering precision and the ability to manage load transfers progressively, aspects that highlight the correct balance of the bike and the overall effectiveness of the tyre package. In this context, it becomes essential to guarantee predictable and uniform behaviour, capable of supporting the rider through rapid changes of direction and high-speed cornering phases. Considering the high temperatures expected, the rear soft solutions, SC0 in Moto2™ and SC1 in Moto3™, represent a particularly effective option thanks to the higher level of grip they offer. The front, although not presenting any marked critical issues, plays a fundamental role in terms of stability, precision and consistent performance, all indispensable elements on such a fast track. For this reason, both available solutions, soft SC1 and medium SC2, can represent valid alternatives depending on riding style and the characteristics of each bike.”

On the fabled 19.99-kilometre course, with its 156 turns climbing to the 4,302-metre summit of Pikes Peak, Pirelli also lined up alongside reigning champion Simone Faggioli, who took to the wheel of the Nova Proto NP01 ATM Bardahl.

Having claimed pole position on Thursday – and having dominated free practice and qualifying alongside the French champion – Faggioli had been among the firm favourites for outright victory. However, the Italian driver was hampered by a technical issue during the ascent, which compromised his performance. Despite this setback, he managed to finish third overall, once again underlining the competitiveness of the driver-car-Pirelli package.

Terenzio Testoni, Rally Activity Manager at Pirelli and co-ordinator of the project alongside Matteo Braga, Circuit Activity Manager, commented:

"Pikes Peak continues to prove itself one of the most demanding races in the world – for drivers, for cars and for tyres. This year, we experienced a shift from approximately 20 degrees Celsius on the asphalt at the start to sub-zero temperatures at the summit, an exceptional thermal range concentrated over fewer than twenty kilometres. Under such conditions, consistency of performance is absolutely critical. Dumas's victory demonstrates the effectiveness of our collaboration with Ford, while Faggioli's third place – achieved despite the issues that curtailed his potential – reaffirms the competitiveness of our tyres even in the most punishing arena of international motorsport."

To meet the challenge of the American event, Pirelli supplied its teams with P Zero tyres developed for markedly different requirements. Faggioli ran on 13-inch P Zero Hillclimb tyres, while Dumas competed on 18-inch P Zero tyres derived from GT racing, specifically optimised for the Ford electric vehicle.

Brno’s benchmark compounds were the soft in Moto2™ and the medium in Moto3™
 
“The overall weekend was extremely positive in terms of performance delivered by the entire range. In both classes, the choice of race solutions was almost unanimous, albeit with clear differences between Moto2™ and Moto3™. In the former, the soft compounds- SC1 front and SC0 rear - proved to be the preferred option, while in the latter the choice of reference was the medium SC2 on both axles, mainly due to the differing technical characteristics of the bikes and the tyre sizes.
Beyond these differences, the most significant aspect is the marked improvement in performance in both categories, compared to last year. The races were held at a considerably faster pace, with an overall gain of around 10 seconds in Moto2™ and more than 6 seconds in Moto3™. The fastest race lap times also showed a clear progression compared to 2025, achieved with the same solutions, despite higher track temperatures.
And now we focus on tomorrow’s test session in Brno, involving all manufacturers, for developing the new tyres to be introduced at the MotoGP™ starting from 2027”.

New lap-time benchmarks set, despite the high temperatures
 
“On the first two days at Brno, we have garnered extremely positive feedback in terms of tyre performance in both categories. In Moto3™, lap times improved steadily from FP1 onwards, with the lap record lowered in every session through to qualifying, where Almansa set the new benchmark at 2’04.069, reducing the previous record by almost one second. In Moto2™, Salac broke the record for the first time on Saturday morning’s FP2, before it was further improved in qualifying by Alonso, who lowered last year’s record by six tenths.
This performance evolution is also attributable to the excellent track conditions and to teams and riders increasingly familiarising with our product range. It is particularly significant to note that these results were achieved using the same tyre solutions available in 2025, confirming our products’ solid performance and their ability to adapt to different technical contexts and operating conditions.
Air and track temperatures were significantly higher than last year, making these results even more relevant and underlining how versatile our solutions are, and their ability to deliver consistent performances across a wide range of usage conditions.
As for tomorrow’s races, in Moto2™ we expect all riders to confirm the soft solutions seen in action during qualifying. And in Moto3™, the medium SC2 will almost certainly be the preferred compound for both axles”.

The race, now in its 104th edition, takes place on Sunday 21 June 2026 on the course that climbs towards the summit of Pikes Peak, in Colorado. The route measures approximately 19.99 kilometres, features 156 corners and takes competitors from the start at 2,862 metres to the finish at 4,300 metres, with an elevation gain of around 1,440 metres. The altitude, the often dirty asphalt, the wind and the speed with which weather conditions can change make the event an extreme technical test for drivers, cars and tyres.

Pirelli will tackle the challenge with P Zero tyres developed and optimised for very different requirements. Faggioli will use 13-inch P Zero Hillclimb tyres, specific to his Nova Proto NP01 ATM Bardahl. Dumas will instead be equipped with 18-inch P Zero tyres of GT derivation, adapted to the characteristics of the Ford Super Mustang Mach-E and to the power outputs of the electric vehicle.

The technical reference on the roads of Colorado is entrusted to the Pirelli team led by Terenzio Testoni, Rally Activity Manager, and Matteo Braga, Circuit Activity Manager, who are responsible for the Pikes Peak 2026 project.

"At Pikes Peak, the weather can become the determining factor of the race, with conditions ranging from dry to rain, all the way to snow, not to mention the wind as we saw last year," explains Testoni, who will direct operations on site. “To that we must add the altitude: internal combustion engines lose performance as they climb towards the summit, while electric vehicles do not suffer the same drop in power. But the advantage is only theoretical, because on electric cars weight remains a decisive factor. The goal is the record, but in the event of rain, it will be impossible to achieve it. In addition, this year there is the new factor of the resurfacing of the final section just one week before the race, which will have an effect on the choice of the right set-up.”

"Pirelli brings to its competing teams a development effort on two very different tyre families, both called upon to respond to a competition in which pure performance counts, but is not enough. On the mountain, as the organisers say, the mountain always decides, but being able to rely on high-performance and reliable tyres can make the difference, precisely in the most extreme race conditions and with temperatures that can range from 20 degrees at the start to around freezing at the summit," comments Braga.

In 2025, the race was shortened due to gusts exceeding 100 km/h on the upper section of the course; the finish was moved to Glen Cove, at a lower altitude than the summit, making any attempt at an outright record impossible.

For Faggioli, Pikes Peak 2026 represents the ideal defence of a historic success. In 2025, the Florentine driver claimed overall victory, becoming King of the Mountain with a time of 3'37"196 on the shortened course, at the wheel of the Nova Proto NP01 Bardahl. Behind him was Dumas himself, winner of the Pikes Peak Open class with the Ford Super Mustang Mach-E in 3'42"252. In that edition, the Pirelli P Zero-shod cars occupied the top five overall positions.

The 2025 result completed a journey that Faggioli began in 2018, when the multiple Italian and European hillclimb champion made his Pikes Peak debut, finishing second overall with the Norma M20 SF PKP in 8'37"230, behind Dumas.

The French champion, for his part, remains one of the most important names in the recent history of the race. Dumas has won the King of the Mountain title on multiple occasions and in 2018 set the outright Pikes Peak record, becoming the first driver to go under eight minutes on the full course.

His collaboration with Ford has already produced significant results: in 2023, Dumas set the Electric Modified Truck/Van class record with the Pirelli-shod Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 in 8'47"682, while in 2024 he claimed his fifth overall victory at Pikes Peak with the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, also equipped with P Zero tyres.

Brno, a rather demanding track especially for the front end
 
“At 5.403 kilometres, Automotodrom Brno is one of the longest circuits on the Grand Prix calendar. Its layout stands out for its constant and sudden changes in elevation, with a sequence of heavy braking zones and hard acceleration areas that generate high thermal loads and a higher level of tyre wear than at other tracks.
The high demand for precision on corner entry places significant stress on the front end, particularly in the right-hand turns, making front tyre behaviour a decisive factor for stability and the feeling transmitted to the rider.
In the case of Moto2™, the data gathered at the previous edition show that the soft compounds ensured an adequate level of grip and consistency over race distance on both axles. Consequently, a similar trend can reasonably be expected this year, with the use of the rear SC0, already used at Brno in 2025 as development specification E0125, and the standard front SC1.
In Moto3™, on the other hand, the lighter bikes struggle more to bring the softer compounds up to temperature, with a resulting increase in wear. It is therefore likely that, in the race, the medium SC2 solution will be preferred on both axles, as already seen in 2025.”

Superpole Race run at record pace on the SCQ, a tyre available to all riders on the market
 
"We conclude the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round with great satisfaction and outstanding results across every area, from new outright lap records in both qualifying and race conditions to race-pace improvements of around one second per lap.
Both the supersoft SCX rear, used in the long races, and the SCQ, selected for Superpole and the Superpole Race, delivered an exceptionally high level of performance. I would particularly like to focus on the SCQ, an extremely soft solution designed not only to maximise one-lap performance but also to provide effectiveness in short-distance races.
Over the 10 laps of the Superpole Race, every rider on the grid chose the SCQ, and the overall race time was more than 10 seconds quicker than last year, with race pace improving by over one second per lap. In addition, Bulega set a new race lap record of 1’31.945, improving the 2024 benchmark by more than seven tenths of a second. These are significant results achieved with a standard tyre that is commercially available and can be purchased by anyone.
Finally, I would like to renew my congratulations to Bulega and Ducati for the extraordinary sequence of victories and records they continue to build together race after race”.

A record-breaking Saturday under the Misano sun
 
"The racing opening day at the Misano World Circuit highlighted a significant step forward in performance in the Superbike class, as demonstrated by new benchmark times in qualifying, race pace and overall race distance. For the seventh round of the FIM Superbike World Championship, we chose to focus on the softest solutions in the Pirelli range, introducing the new SCQ extrasoft rear, the evolution of the E0479 development specification that made its debut at this circuit last season and which today enabled Bulega to set a new outright lap record.
In light of the limited wear and consistent performance shown over race distance as well, it will be particularly interesting to see how many riders choose this solution for tomorrow morning’s Superpole Race and what impact it may have in terms of performance.
The SCX supersoft rear once again proved to be the benchmark choice over race distance, delivering a very high level of performance from the very first sessions. The overall Race 1 time, 13 seconds faster than a year ago, is evidence of the significant progress made by the manufacturers over this period, as well as by Pirelli". 

The SCQ completes the renewal of the rear tyre range
 
“For the Emilia-Romagna Round – a circuit we know extremely well, having hosted races for many years as well as numerous manufacturer tests throughout the season – we are bringing the new 2026 standard-range SCQ extrasoft as the designated Superpole rear tyre, a specification that until last year was known as the E0479 development solution. Introduced in the FIM Superbike World Championship at Misano last season and designed with an innovative carcass to deliver greater stability, a larger contact patch and improved performance consistency, the new standard-range SCQ follows the same development philosophy that led to the production versions of the current DIABLO™ Superbike SCX and SC0, both of which were development specifications in 2025.
The SCQ was the final piece needed to complete the renewal of our rear tyre range which, it is worth noting, is now also available for purchase by all riders through the Pirelli dealer network, both for racing use and for track-day activities.
In addition to assessing the behaviour of the SCQ, it will also be interesting to see how the SCX supersoft performs. After serving as the reference tyre for Superpole and the Superpole Race at Aragón, this weekend it could prove to be the most competitive option for the long races given the high temperatures expected".

Standard tyres proved effective in variable conditions
 
“During the Grand Prix of Hungary, we experienced a wide array of conditions. On Friday, the track was still not very rubbered in, and temperatures were mild. On Saturday we witnessed a clear track evolution and warmer weather. Finally, Sunday was very hot, with track temperatures in the Moto2™ race exceeding 50°C, and this affected the circuit’s natural grip.
In this context, the tyres – all standard and regularly available for purchase by any motorcyclist – proved to be highly adaptable, thanks to the wide operating range of our compounds. In Moto2™, the supersoft SCX rear tyre was used with track temperatures ranging from 28°C to 52°C, and confirmed itself as an extremely versatile solution. With cooler conditions, it helped set a new circuit record, while at higher race temperatures, it was crucial in recording the new fastest race lap and improving the overall race time by 8 seconds.
In Moto3™, all compounds in the allocation proved to be valid options, and the podium riders go to show this. Overall, we are happy with the way our tyres performed at this round, and are now looking forward to next weekend in Brno, where, after the race, on Monday, we will run a private test with MotoGP™ manufacturers and riders, as part of the tyre developments scheduled to be introduced in 2027.”

Significantly improved lap records in both classes
 
“The track conditions were less than ideal on Friday, and both the riders and the teams struggled with choosing the most effective set-up to boost the tyres grip performance. Even so, already on Friday afternoon’s Practice session, Gonzalez set a new Moto2™ lap record, which he conquered also thanks to the supersoft SCX rear compound, which was not available last season, on Balaton Park’s debut year.
Between yesterday and today, however, the circuit showed an important track evolution, and, as the sessions went on and more rubber was laid down on the asphalt, lap times dropped significantly, especially in Saturday morning’s FP2, when new lap records were set in both classes. In Moto3™, Quiles lowered last year’s lap time by more than half a second, and in Moto2™, Gonzales improved the previous record by almost five tenths. In qualifying, due to higher temperatures that made the track more slippery and affected the grip level, the riders were unable to improve the times set in the morning.
In view of tomorrow’s races, we expect a unanimous choice by all intermediate class riders, as the soft SC1 front and supersoft SCX rear combo has proven to be the most competitive yet. While in Moto3™ we do expect a more varied use of the options available, similarly to what we saw in qualifying, and we could see some riders on medium SC2 on both axles, while others may prefer the soft SC1 front and rear”.

At Balaton with the aim of making a further step forward
 
“When we head to a new circuit, our initial approach is always cautious: we prefer to opt for solutions that are not excessively soft, so as to guarantee an adequate safety margin should the track prove particularly demanding on tyres. That is why, last season at Balaton, Moto2™ riders had the soft SC0 available as the softer rear option and the medium SC1 as the alternative. This year, on the basis of the data collected in 2025, which showed that the track and its asphalt are not particularly demanding on tyres, we decided to offer an allocation that is one step softer introducing the supersoft SCX at this circuit. It is not an absolute debut on this track for this tyre, as it was already used successfully by WorldSBK riders at the beginning of May, but we believe this compound can also allow Moto2™ riders to make a significant step forward both over a single flying lap and in race pace, thanks to the high levels of grip it is able to provide”.

Convincing performances and record pace across the entire range at Aragón
 
"The FIM WorldSBK Aragón Round proved particularly interesting from a performance perspective, not only in absolute terms but also for the insights gained from the direct comparison between the different specifications included in the allocation. Despite very high temperatures, including track temperatures beyond 50°C today, the continuous evolution of the circuit allowed riders to progressively improve their lap times throughout the weekend.
In terms of outright performance, both softer rear options enabled Bulega to set new benchmarks. After establishing a new outright lap record in Superpole with the supersoft SCX, the Championship leader repeated the feat in the Superpole Race, setting a new race lap record using the standard soft SC0. This was the same standard specification with which he won here last year and one that had already provided him with positive feedback from the opening practice sessions. The result is particularly significant considering that Bulega was one of only two riders to choose this option, while the rest of the grid opted for the supersoft SCX. The extremely narrow margin at the finish compared with Lecuona, who was using the SCX, confirmed that both solutions were fully competitive for fighting for victory.
The front options available to the teams also delivered excellent performance, as demonstrated by the winning use of the soft SC1 in the Superpole Race and the medium SC2 in both Race 1 and Race 2. These results provide further confirmation of the effectiveness of Pirelli’s continuous development work over recent years, which has enabled the company to offer riders a reliable and highly competitive range in all conditions. This also extends to everyday motorcyclists who can use, on track and during track days, the very same tyres featured in the FIM Superbike World Championship”.

The fastest races ever at Mugello for these classes
 
“After the new outright lap record set yesterday in Moto2™, the races also confirmed the excellent performance of the tyres, contributing to highly significant results. Both the Moto2™ and Moto3™ races were the fastest ever at Mugello for their respective classes in terms of race speed.
In Moto2™, there was an overall improvement of 22 seconds compared with 2025, corresponding to a reduction in average lap time of 1.2 seconds, with Ortolá also setting the new fastest race lap and improving the previous benchmark by 1 second. The new supersoft rear compound in the range, updated for this season, made a significant contribution to this result.
In Moto3™, too, despite using the same solutions as last season, significant progress was recorded: the race was 10 seconds faster than last year, with race speed improved by 0.6 seconds per lap.
It is important to note that these results were achieved in almost identical conditions to those of 2025, both in terms of air and track temperatures and, of course, number of race laps.
Finally, a mention for the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup, which once again delivered very closely fought races, and congratulations to Ogiwara for the double achieved over the weekend.”

Standard compounds perform strongly despite Aragón’s high temperatures
 
"The feedback gathered over these first two days confirms the validity of the tyre allocation choices made for Aragón. Despite temperatures being higher than the seasonal average and an asphalt surface that, although resurfaced in 2024, has already shown a significant loss of grip, the tyres have delivered consistently strong performance. After a Friday affected by track temperatures close to 60°C and a circuit that was still lacking rubber, the natural evolution of the track allowed lap times to improve significantly.
In Superpole, the new standard SCX enabled Bulega to beat last year’s lap record by half a second, confirming its outstanding performance even under particularly demanding conditions. In Race 1, the new SC0 rear tyre delivered both competitiveness and consistency, contributing to a race time almost five seconds faster than last year’s equivalent race, despite considerably higher temperatures and therefore less favourable conditions.
Positive feedback also came from the front tyre options, with all three available specifications being used in the race. Although the podium finishers all opted for the standard SC2, both the SC1 and the E1164 development specification demonstrated a strong level of competitiveness".

In three seasons, the Moto2™ lap record was improved by more than 2 seconds
 
“The new SCX rear solution, introduced last year as development specification E0126, also confirmed at Mugello a high level of performance and remarkable consistency. The track feedback therefore validates the technical decision to promote it to the supersoft compound range for this season.
Over the 2024–2026 period – across three seasons – the Moto2™ lap record at this circuit has improved overall by more than 2 seconds, dropping from the 1’50.514 set in 2023 by Pedro Acosta on tyres from another manufacturer to the 1’48.474 established today by Gonzalez. This is a significant step forward, achieved even with rather high track temperatures such as today’s. This is attributable to the combined evolution of motorcycles, set-up and rider performance, supported by the continuous development work carried out by manufacturers and teams, to which we also contribute through increasingly advanced solutions capable of optimising grip and operating stability.
For this Grand Prix, in addition to the SCX range, Moto2™ riders also have access to the F0192 supersoft development specification, introduced this season at Jerez and already used by several riders. Looking ahead to the race, widespread use of the SC1 soft front compound is expected, while at the rear both the range SCX and the F0192 development solution are likely to feature, considering their comparable behaviour and performance levels.
As for Moto3™, the rear choice should lean towards the SC1 soft, the option with the highest level of available grip, while at the front the selection will continue to depend on set-up requirements, riding style and the dynamic characteristics of the KTM and Honda platforms”.

McLaren Motorsport is pleased to announce a new three-year extension of its partnership with Pirelli, which will continue as the Official Tyre Supplier to the McLaren Trophy on a global basis. This renewed agreement reinforces the long-standing collaboration between two leaders in high-performance motorsport and establishes a strong foundation for continued innovation and growth.

As part of the agreement, Pirelli will supply tyres and provide on-track technical support across all McLaren Trophy series in both Europe and North America. The partnership focuses on delivering optimal performance, consistency, and safety for competitors, while enabling close cooperation in tyre development, trackside engineering, logistics, and data sharing to enhance race weekend operations.

The Italian tyre specialist has a long-standing relationship with McLaren Automotive, with every road car equipped with Pirelli tyres. That close partnership extended into McLaren Trophy from the start of 2023 when the European series was launched and further strengthened last year with the addition of McLaren Trophy America. The new agreement will provide long term stability for teams and drivers in the championships, which now forms an integral part of the McLaren Motorsport factory driver programme.

For both series, Pirelli will supply its benchmark GT tyre range: the P Zero DHG for dry conditions and the Cinturato WHB for wet weather. The natural rubber of both tyres is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC™)¹ and carry the logo. This indicates that all the natural rubber² used comes from plantations that are managed to ensure biodiversity, as well as benefiting the people who live and work in these areas. 

The McLaren Trophy Europe season will start on home soil for Pirelli, with rounds one and two taking place at Monza - the iconic ‘Temple of Speed’ - on the 29^th – 31^st May. The weekend will be the first of five, with the series running as a major support event to the 24 Hours of Spa in late June, before racing at Misano, Barcelona and concluding at Portimäo in Portugal. The American season got underway at Sonoma in March as warm up to the season’s headline event supporting the Miami Grand Prix. Events at Road Atlanta, Road America and the world-famous Indianapolis Motors Speedway round out the calendar.

“We are delighted to continue our close relationship with Pirelli as our Official Tyre Supplier Partner. McLaren Trophy is a growing platform and tyre performance is central to the competitiveness and safety of our championship. Pirelli’s reputation for innovation, technical excellence and motorsport experience makes them an ideal partner. This three‑year agreement gives teams and drivers certainty and access to best‑in‑class tyre support as the series continues to grow.”

Giorgio Sanna, Head of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive

“Working with McLaren in both Europe and America is a prestigious commitment for us. It’s and an important opportunity to further strengthen our expertise in GT racing, while also partnering with one of the most prestigious brands in the automotive world, with which we have long-standing ties on the road car side as well. This year’s calendar is especially demanding, with a packed schedule of challenging events, and we are ready to support it with a product that is already proven and highly regarded, while continuing to deliver our customary level of trackside service.”

Dario Marrafuschi, Motorsport Director, Pirelli. 

______________

Pirelli tyres (FSC™N003618) are FSC™-certified as MIX Natural Rubber. This shows that they are manufactured from a combination of natural and synthetic rubber, conforming with FSC™ ADVICE-40-004-15. 

² the equivalent of 17 percent of the total weight of the tyre

The Scorpion AT tyres, making their debut on the Swedish event, proved decisive in the victory. On Saturday, when light rain affected part of the day, Heikkilä was able to rely on the consistency and performance levels of both the soft AT6 and supersoft AT8 compounds. On Sunday’s dry gravel stages, the soft-compound AT6 was the dominant choice.

In the opening part of the rally, another Pirelli-equipped driver took centre stage: young Estonian talent Jaspar Vaher, of Toyota Gazoo Racing, before a small mistake dropped him down the order. A similar fate befell Teemu Suninen, who, in his Pirelli-equipped Škoda Fabia, had taken the lead on the second leg until special stage 14.

“It was an exciting rally and an important test bench for our tyres, with a more than positive outcome,” commented Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “Victory at Rally Scandinavia already consolidates our leadership in the dedicated tyre manufacturers’ standings after just the second round. In just over a month’s time, at the beginning of July, Rally di Roma will provide another opportunity to test our technological solutions and our ambitions on asphalt.”

The M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, supplied exclusively by Pirelli, was dominated by Ville Vatanen.

The comparison between supersoft rears in Moto2™ continues
 
“In 2024, the year of Pirelli’s debut in the World Championship, at Mugello the Moto2™ riders raced using the standard SC0 soft rear, the softest solution among those available. Following the analyses carried out, it emerged that the circuit, although placing tyres under considerable stress due to its frequent changes of direction and elevation, fast corners and heavy braking, does not have particularly abrasive asphalt and therefore tyre wear is fairly limited.
On the basis of this evidence, last year we decided to introduce the SCX supersoft rear as well, with which the riders achieved a further performance improvement in terms of lap times.
For this edition, given Mugello’s suitability for the use of very soft solutions, riders will be able to rely not only on the new standard SCX, introduced last year as the E0126 development specification, but also on a further supersoft alternative, the F0192, which debuted at the Spanish Grand Prix and was used in the race by many riders. In both cases, these are solutions never previously tried on the Italian circuit but are already familiar to the riders, particularly as regards the standard SCX which has already been used in races this year at the United States, Spanish and French Grands Prix.
It will therefore be interesting to see which of the two supersoft solutions receives the greater appreciation and whether, weather conditions permitting, it will be possible to improve further both the lap record and race pace”.

In addition to the many local drivers, the crews entered in the rally number more than 60, including Andrea Mabellini in a Lancia Ypsilon, Teemu Suninen and Mikko Heikkila, both in Škoda Fabia cars, all equipped with Pirelli tyres.

“The Rally Scandinavia is one of the most spectacular events of the entire international rally season and never disappoints,” commented Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. “This year too, the route is extremely demanding, with terrain that can prove treacherous even for the most experienced drivers, and weather conditions that are even more unpredictable given the cold spring we are experiencing. Our crews will be able to rely on the Scorpion range, which has consistently proved both high-performing and reliable on these road surfaces.”

To tackle the 17 special stages and around 180 timed kilometres, Pirelli is making available to its drivers the two softer versions of the new Scorpion gravel tyre range, the AT, which makes its debut in the European championship: the AT6 soft and the AT8 super soft. Under the regulations, each crew may use a total of up to 16 tyres, including those selected for qualifying.

Rally Scandinavia also hosts the second round of the season for the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, supplied exclusively by Pirelli. The Trophy cars will be equipped with Scorpion K6A soft and K8B super soft tyres.

The German team’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO crossed the finish line in third place at the end of an extremely close-fought race, having led several times in the opening phase and battled for second place in the final laps. That car number 34, driven by Christian Krognes, Mattia Drudi, Nicki Thiim and Felipe Fernández Laser, could be an unexpected protagonist had already become clear on Friday, when it topped Top Qualifying 1 and took second place in Top Qualifying 2.

The 2026 result represents Aston Martin’s first overall podium in the history of the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

“Congratulations to the drivers, Walkenhorst Motorsport and Aston Martin Racing,” commented Matteo Braga, Circuit Activity Manager Pirelli. “Our engineers and theirs have done an excellent job over this year of collaboration, during which we have approached a race that is still relatively new to us with commitment and innovative solutions, and in which we are continuing to grow, also thanks to Walkenhorst Motorsport’s extensive experience. After last year’s podium, we can say that the characteristics of the P Zero and Cinturato tyres have been confirmed: they are both high-performing and reliable, even on such a demanding circuit and in weather conditions that were more variable and severe than usual, completely opposite to last year’s heat, with intermittent rain and hail and decidedly wintry temperatures.”

Among the other Pirelli-equipped cars entered in the race, the eighth and 17th places achieved by Dinamic’s Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) Evo26 cars are also worth noting.

In 2025, Pirelli entered into a multi-year partnership with Walkenhorst Motorsport, making the German team one of the Company’s reference partners for development activities on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

The French driver dominated the rally from the very first of the 12 special stages, also thanks to the contribution of the P7 Classic range in its various versions. The medium-compound D5 version made the difference on the shorter stages, while on the longer stages, characterised by abrasive asphalt, the new evolution of the hard-compound D3D version, making its debut in the Côte d'Azur rally, proved decisive for its durability. The same performance was enjoyed by Polish driver Maciej Lubiak, who finished third in a Porsche 911 Carrera.

"Winning is always a great source of satisfaction," commented Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli's Rally Activity Manager, "but in the case of historic rallies the satisfaction is even greater, because we have built this position of predominance over time, with passion and perseverance, developing our range year after year. Next week the appointment will be in Sweden for the European Rally Championship, where we have started the season in a very encouraging way."

Records achieved in part also thanks the new soft standard SC0
 
“The weekend at Most proved to be a concrete example of how important our development work is. In 2025, WorldSBK riders could choose two of the options that were also available this year: the SC0 soft and the D0922 medium. However, the SC0 had not proved competitive, to the point that in the Superpole Race almost all riders had chosen the D0922, which was also used in long races.
This year, by contrast, the new 2026 standard SC0, known last season as the E0125 development specification, was the go-to option for all Superpole Race riders, which was run in conditions similar to those in 2025, and boosted both the race lap record and pace significantly.
This great outcome is also a direct benefit for motorcycle riders in general, since it has become a standard product available on the market that anyone can purchase. In parallel, the medium D0922 – obtained through intensive development work -, confirmed the excellent characteristics already shown in 2025, and was highly appreciated and effective in the two long races. In Race 2, this year’s new feature, the medium F0468 specification option, proved to be enough popular and allowed Gerloff and Surra to end the race fifth and sixth respectively, becoming a valid alternative to the better-known D0922.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate Bulega and Debise, the undisputed stars of the Czech round.”

Standard soft and medium compounds are highly competitive in both classes
 
“Sunday’s Catalan GP confirmed the progress we have seen in recent races, with very strong performance levels, even on a track that is particularly demanding on tyres, due to a highly abrasive surface and lower-than-average grip levels. In Moto2™, the improvement was clear both in terms of lap times and race distance, with the new race lap record lowered by four tenths and the overall race time improved by 15 seconds. While the winning riders went for the SC1 soft front and SC0 soft rear combos, even those who chose the SC2 medium front finished the race in leading positions, proving that it can equally be a strong race option.
Progress was also evident in the Moto3™ race, with an 11-second improvement compared to last year’s race time. While all riders selected the standard SC2 medium front – the best choice in terms of durability and continued performance in a demanding circuit such as Montmeló - rear tyre choices were almost evenly split between the SC1 soft and the SC2 medium. This decision is heavily influenced by bike setup and riding style, as both solutions proved to be competitive and effective, and the final podium shows it, with the winner and third-place finisher going for the standard medium, and the second-placed relying on the soft option”.

New records and highly convincing tyre performance
 
“These first two days at Most were marked by fairly low air and track temperatures, along with a bit of rain toward Friday’s end, which certainly did not help the track’s evolution. Even so, tyre performance was consistently very convincing, both in terms of flying lap pace – as the new all-time lap records set in both classes proved -, and of race distance, with Debise scoring the new fastest race lap on the very last lap. In both WorldSBK and WorldSSP, the front soft SC1 solution was the only one adopted in the race, mostly paired with the rear soft SC0 in Supersport, and with the D0922 medium development option in Superbike – a solution the riders were already familiar with, after using it in the same race last year. Even though a couple of riders went for the new F0468 specification, it was somewhat affected by its being new, and, especially on a circuit so demanding on tyres such as Most – and due to the rather low temperatures as well – the riders felt safer working with an option they already know very well, rather than trying out something new. We will see whether this changes in tomorrow’s races.”

All compounds play a central role
 
“Once again, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya proved to be very demanding on tyres, due to its highly abrasive asphalt, which generates greater wear than usual. With temperatures lower than average compared to previous editions, the track offered a good level of grip right from the opening sessions, while tyre behaviour has continued to improve alongside the natural circuit evolution, as confirmed by the new all-time Moto2™ lap record set first by Gonzalez in this morning’s FP2 session, and then further improved by Vietti during qualifying.
Looking ahead to the race, in Moto2™ the rear tyre choice appears to be leaning towards the standard-range soft SC0 compound, while for front tyres, teams are evaluating both options, according to each rider’s set-up and riding style. In Moto3™, the standard-range medium SC2 front compound proved to be the winning choice for the two fastest riders in qualifying and looks like the most popular option in tomorrow’s race, as this combo can provide the right level of stability, durability and consistent performance over race distance. While for rear tyre options, the choice between the soft SC1 and medium SC2 will be far more subjective, however, based on data we have collected, both options appear capable of delivering a competitive performance. Should temperatures rise further tomorrow, an overall improvement in performance should also be expected”.