Phillip Island, a worthy adversary for many years
 
“Some circuits present a tyre manufacturer with a particularly severe challenge, whether because of their layout, the asphalt or the temperatures that can arise. From this perspective, Phillip Island has been an absolute benchmark for many years: an extremely demanding circuit, capable of putting tyres to the test and driving us to keep improving the performance of our products. In a sense, it has been an adversary, one that commands respect and, precisely because of the scale of the challenge, pushes you beyond your limits. Added to all this is the unique appeal of a circuit that has retained its distinctive identity over the years. That is why we will be sorry not to race here anymore: Phillip Island is an ideal proving ground for tyre development, and its characteristics are precisely why we chose the circuit for the debut of the new F0604 rear tyre for Moto2™. This solution has been developed to provide greater resistance to wear, going beyond the level already achieved by the D0922 and further broadening the range of options available to us for tackling the circuits that place the greatest demands on tyres”.

With the Pirelli Spanish Round held at Jerez de la Frontera, Pirelli concluded its journey as the Official Sole Tyre Supplier in the FIM Superbike World Championship, after 23 consecutive seasons. This partnership was crucial in shaping the technical identity of the premier production-derived motorcycle championship, through continuous product development, technological innovation and an unwavering focus on tyre safety and reliability, while constantly working alongside the organisers, the federation, manufacturers and teams.
 
Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “For more than two decades, we turned WorldSBK into an innovation lab, and helped organisers, the federation, manufacturers and teams in its evolution. By constantly creating and fine-tuning new compounds, structures and solutions, we have boosted performance and set new records year after year, while also generating technology and expertise that went on to be transferred to road tyres. We pursued this quest right through the final season, and it does not end here: the experience gained in WorldSBK will continue to drive Pirelli's leading edge both in motorsport and on the road”.
 
Pirelli's history in the production-derived motorcycle World Championship began in 1989, with the company's official debut on Rumi’s team Honda RC30, ridden by the then reigning World Champion Fred Merkel. After narrowly missing the podium on his opener race at Donington Park, the American rider secured pole position and won both Hungaroring races, setting himself on course to defend his world title. After stepping back from major motorcycle racing championships in the 1990s, Pirelli returned to the forefront in 2004, when the WorldSBK promoter selected the company as the Official Sole Tyre Supplier, introducing a model that would mark a turning point in international motorsport.
 
From track to road, a distinctive strategy
Pirelli's approach to the World Superbike Championship was driven by a clear strategy: to turn racing into a genuine development lab for motorcyclists. And in a production-derived motorcycle championship, this meant using tyres that would closely resemble the products available on the market, rather than solutions designed exclusively for racing.
 
Non-stop technological innovation
From the outset of its involvement in World Superbike, Pirelli embarked on an innovation journey that progressively redefined racing tyre performance, and then transferred the knowledge gained on the track to improve road products as well. 
 
After its launch in 2005, the DIABLO™ Superbike became a benchmark in the racing slick range. It was followed by the DIABLO™ Supercorsa in 2007, developed for the championship's support classes, then used in 2008 to create the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP, a high-performance road tyre. In 2012, the SC0 compound was introduced for the DIABLO™ Superbike, and then extended to the road range the following year. In 2013, the rims went from 16.5-inch to 17-inch, resembling production motorcycle configurations even more. The 125/70 front and 200/65 rear tyre sizes arrived in 2018, followed by the SCX supersoft compound in 2019, and the SCQ extrasoft compound in 2022, which maximised performance over a single flying lap. And from 2020 onwards, all classes in the championship adopted slick tyres.
 
“Despite operating under a single-tyre supplier system and always providing competitive products, our goal has consistently been to improve our game, year after year, by offering state-of-the-art products while paying extremely close attention to market demands. This was especially true in the early years, when end users wanted and needed a pure racing product they could use on the track. We recognised that need, by continuing to develop increasingly better products, and, most of all, by introducing new race-to-road sizes, which became the new benchmark for the sports motorcycles on the market,” added Barbier.
 
From supplier to strategic partner
Over the course of those 23 seasons, Pirelli's role evolved into a proactive partnership supporting the championship’s development. Beyond the technical aspects, this commitment fostered on a close-knit relationship with Infront first and Dorna second, encompassing even marketing and communication activities. 
 
The various initiatives, initially conceived for Pirelli's guests, were gradually extended to the entire paddock, making the championship more attractive and engaging for supporters and for a broader audience, while strengthening its visibility.
 
Development and records, right through to the final round
The 2026 season confirmed the consistency of this approach. Pirelli continued to develop its lines through to the final event, providing WorldSBK riders with 17 front and rear tyre solutions, combining standard range products with development specifications. This commitment continued throughout this last season, backed by constant performance gains and new milestones: 10 all-time lap records and 11 race lap records, alongside significant race distance improvements.
 
From James Toseland, the first World Champion of the Pirelli era in 2004, aboard the Ducati 999 F04, to Nicolò Bulega, who dominated the 2026 season on the Ducati Panigale V4 R with XX wins in 36 races, Pirelli's sporting and technological journey in WorldSBK spanned 23 seasons and accompanied the championship’s evolution and the performance of production-derived motorcycles. Now that this extraordinary chapter is coming to an end, the wealth of knowledge and expertise we have gained will continue to drive Pirelli’s tyre development and our commitment to the highest racing levels.
 
 
Pirelli WorldSBK statistics, 2004–2026
 
· Rounds held: 289

· Total races: 661

· Total km race laps completed in the WorldSBK class: 1,143,782

· Riders at start: 1,020

· Number of circuits: 33

· Highest top speed: 339.500 km/h (T. Sykes, Kawasaki – Monza 2012)

· Fastest race average speed: 201.814 km/h (M. Melandri, BMW – Monza 2013)

· Highest average lap speed: 205.459 km/h (T. Sykes, Kawasaki – Monza 2013)

· Top three host nations for number of rounds: Italy 51, Spain 41, UK 30

· Most races hosted by a circuit: 54 (Magny-Cours, Phillip Island, Assen and Misano)
 
Pirelli WorldSBK statistics, 2026

· All-time Lap records: 10

· Race lap records: 11

· Riders at start: 30

· Tyre specifications: 17 (5 front and 12 rear)

· Tyres used: 5,544

· Total km race laps completed in the WorldSBK class: 52,090

A special finale, combining technical progress with outstanding sports achievements

"The final round of a season always feels special, and Jerez was even more significant, as it marked the end of Pirelli’s 23 years as Official Sole Tyre Supplier of the FIM WorldSBK. This Round confirmed the steady progress we have made throughout the season. Jerez de la Frontera is very demanding on tyres, because asphalt conditions change as temperatures rise, leading to a gradual grip reduction. Despite this, Superbike riders’ performances improved session after session: a new race lap record was set in the Superpole Race, and race times were also significantly faster, with Race 2 ending 24 seconds earlier than the previous record time, and the Superpole Race 11 seconds earlier. Average lap times improved by more than a second. These results confirm how effective the softer standard-range solutions made available to riders in this Round - the supersoft SCX rear and soft SC1 front – actually were.
On an end note, I would like to congratulate Bulega, who rounded off an outstanding season with yet another trifecta, and the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, which went on to win every single race in the Championship. We know how difficult it is to achieve consistent success in sports, and this accomplishment will certainly go down in history.
I would also like to congratulate Xavi Artigas and the MTM Kawasaki team for winning the first Sportbike World Championship. This category has already showcased some highly promising young talents right from the start, and we can’t wait to see them competing in the higher classes in the near future”.

The 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS season came to a close at Portimão with victory for Ralf Aron, Maximilian Götz and Fabian Schiller in the #17 Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO.

Starting from second on the grid, the German squad’s line-up secured GetSpeed’s first-ever Endurance Cup win. They finished more than five seconds clear of the #80 Lionspeed GP Porsche 911 GT3 R EVO shared by Ricardo Feller, Thomas Preining and Bastian Buus. Third place went to another Porsche, the #2 Boutsen VDS entry driven by Morris Schuring, Dorian Boccolacci and Alessio Picariello.

The three-hour race, which finished after sunset, saw the top ten cars separated by just a few seconds in the opening phase. The evening start and a sharp drop in temperatures compared with Friday, brought on by a sudden wind, made the challenge even more demanding and unpredictable for the teams. Among the headline names was Max Verstappen, making his series debut with Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham in the Team Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG. Taking the wheel in 24th position after a penalty handed to the crew, the Dutchman fought his way back to finish ninth.

The 2026 champions
Maro Engel and Lucas Auer clinched the GT World Challenge Europe overall drivers’ title, decided on combined Sprint and Endurance Cup results. The title was confirmed on the eve of the Portimão race, after Winward Racing’s appeal against their disqualification at Misano was upheld. The two Mercedes-AMG drivers completed a season of remarkable consistency. This success adds to the Endurance title they had already secured with Luca Stolz in the #48 Mercedes-AMG Team Mann-Filter car.

The Sprint Cup, meanwhile, went to Ricardo Feller and Bastian Buus. The Lionspeed GP pairing built their success over a season whose highlights included victory at the 24 Hours of Spa, achieved together with Thomas Preining after starting from the pit lane.

In the teams’ standings, Team WRT (BMW) took both the overall and Sprint Cup titles, while Winward Racing (Mercedes-AMG) won the Endurance Cup teams’ classification.

Record grids
The 2026 season confirmed the growth and appeal of the GT World Challenge Europe. The two seasonal entry lists attracted a total of 104 entries: 59 in the Endurance Cup and a record 45 in the Sprint Cup, with both series at full capacity.

Numbers remained high throughout the championship, culminating at Portimão, where 61 cars representing ten manufacturers took to the track – the largest grid in Endurance Cup history outside the 24 Hours of Spa.

Matteo Braga, Pirelli Circuit Activity Manager:
‘The GT World Challenge Europe has reached a very high level of excellence, both in the quality of its crews and manufacturers and in the size of its grids. These figures confirm the championship’s growing appeal to teams and fans alike. From a technical point of view, the tyres delivered consistent performance and reliability across every race and format, from the Sprint rounds to the 24 Hours of Spa, even in the high temperatures that characterised the entire season. It is a result that rewards the work Pirelli has carried out together with the teams and manufacturers.’

GT2 and GT4: the Portimão verdicts
In the GT2 European Series, Race 1 was won by Wilhelm Kühne and Moritz Wiskirchen in the SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm Mercedes-AMG GT2, ahead of the Maserati GT2 of Antoine Potty and that of Philippe and Louis Prette. Race 2 went to Philippe and Louis Prette in the LP Racing Maserati GT2.

The 2026 overall title was claimed by Ethan Gialdini and Mikkel Njor in the CMR Ginetta G56 GT2.

In the GT4 European Series, the first race of the Portuguese weekend was won by Jay Mo Härtling and Joel Mesch in the SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm Mercedes-AMG GT4. Race 2 victory went to Paul Petit and Grégory Guilvert in the Team Speedcar Audi R8 LMS GT4.

The 2026 Silver Cup title, the series’ main honour, was won by Charlie Hart and McKenzy Cresswell in the Elite Motorsport with Entire Race Engineering McLaren Artura GT4.

The standard-range SC2 medium front proves to be the winning choice

"Jerez circuit has always been very sensitive to temperature variations, with track grip progressively decreasing as temperatures rise. It is also demanding on tyres, with generally high wear both front and rear, meaning that a rider's ability to manage their gradual degradation can make all the difference.
In these conditions, the standard-range SC2 medium compound proved to be a competitive and winning option. And Nicolò Bulega’s choice clearly went in this direction. He was one of the very few riders to opt for this solution, which provided greater consistency and stability under demanding conditions, allowing him to add a 30th victory to an already extraordinary season.
At the rear, the standard-range SCX supersoft once again proved highly competitive, even as temperatures rose. It enabled both WorldSBK and WorldSSP riders to significantly reduce their overall race times compared with last year, when air and track temperatures were much lower.
And last but not least I would like to congratulate Maria Herrera and the Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR team on securing the WorldWCR riders' title. Herrera has been a leader in this category for years, and by successfully defending her title – with 6 wins and 4 podiums in 11 races – she once again confirms her outstanding capabilities".

Grip on snow and wet roads combines with comfort and durability, with performance maintained consistently over time.

Milan, 13 October 2026 – The new Scorpion Winter 3 completes the renewal of Pirelli’s winter tyre range and has been developed to meet the specific needs of SUVs in typical cold-weather conditions. Vehicles in this segment now account for more than 50% of the global market^[1] and have distinctive characteristics, including greater weight and a higher centre of gravity, which call for tyres with dedicated internal structures and tread patterns. These requirements have guided the development of Scorpion Winter 3, which delivers a high level of performance balance across the different conditions encountered during the winter season, from snow and wet roads to dry surfaces. It therefore overcomes one of the main compromises associated with winter tyres, offering drivers of Sport Utility Vehicles consistently strong performance, even in the most demanding situations. This has already been confirmed by the first independent test, in which Scorpion Winter 3 was named the best-performing tyre among its competitors^[2].

All sizes available at launch have an A rating for wet grip on the EU tyre label^[3], while noise levels fall within classes A–B^[4]. To meet the growing demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in this segment, Scorpion Winter 3 is also available with Pirelli Elect technology, specifically designed for these powertrains.

DEVELOPMENT: DESIGN SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO THE WINTER NEEDS OF SUVs

The development process began by examining tyre behaviour under heavy loads. The contact patch was redesigned to optimise pressure peaks, a key requirement for both mileage performance and even wear on heavy vehicles such as SUVs. This approach has led to the first major innovation of the new generation: as the tread wears, the active edges within the contact patch – and, consequently, grip on snow and wet roads – remain consistent over time. The tyre structure has also been engineered to accommodate high vehicle weights, with a dedicated internal carcass and tread design.

The tread geometry incorporates several solutions developed for the Cinturato Winter 3, which recently won a test conducted by independent German automotive association ADAC. These include the zigzag central groove, which helps evacuate water and supports lateral grip on snow; Pirelli’s patented Snow Keeper Teeth technology, which retains snow within the grooves to harness the grip generated by snow-on-snow contact; and a high void ratio, which enhances performance on snow and wet roads while helping to counter aquaplaning. These features are complemented by solutions specifically developed for SUVs, including stiffer tread blocks to improve handling and wear resistance under high loads, and a carefully calibrated sipe density to maintain performance on dry roads as well.

The compound draws on the experience gained with P Zero Winter 2, the tyre developed to deliver winter performance for high-performance cars. It incorporates specific polymers, including Dual-Core Polymer, whose dual operating mechanism provides enhanced grip in a variety of conditions, while plasticisers broaden the tyre’s operating temperature range.

VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL TESTING: FROM DRIVING SIMULATORS TO THE PROVING GROUND IN LAPLAND

In developing Scorpion Winter 3, Pirelli’s engineers at Bicocca made extensive use of the company’s established advanced Virtual Development techniques. These enable precise results to be achieved by simulating a range of variables, while also reducing development times and the number of prototypes required for fine-tuning. The use of driving simulators – from static to dynamic systems – enabled the team to focus on performance, particularly dry handling and driving enjoyment. During the testing phase, the Pirelli Sottozero Center, a proving ground located in Swedish Lapland, played a key role in the development process. Its facilities make it possible to test the tyre on a variety of surfaces, from snow to ice, throughout the year, thanks in part to its indoor testing facilities.

THE PIRELLI WINTER RANGE AND PRODUCT OFFERING

Scorpion Winter 3 launches with a range of 30 sizes, from 18 to 22 inches, and offers several specialised technologies. These include Elect technology, which can increase the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10%^[5]; and the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS), which reduces perceived rolling noise inside the cabin through the use of a special sound-absorbing material fitted inside the tyre. The tyre is also available with Seal Inside technology, which helps maintain air pressure in the event of a puncture caused by an external object^[6].

The new winter tyre joins the Scorpion family, launched by Pirelli in 1986 specifically for high-riding vehicles and first fitted to the Lamborghini LM002. Since then, the Scorpion range has expanded to cover summer, winter and all-season applications, spanning road tyres for SUVs and products designed for off-road use. From the outset, Scorpion has had a strong focus on original equipment, with products developed in collaboration with car manufacturers. Scorpion Winter 3 continues this tradition, contributing to the family’s portfolio of more than 1,200 homologations, including bespoke developments for models from leading premium and prestige brands such as Aston Martin, Porsche, Lamborghini, Lotus, Audi, BMW, JLR and NIO.

With the requirement to carry winter tyres or snow chains coming into force on 15 November, Scorpion Winter 3 completes Pirelli’s Winter range, which has been fully renewed over the past two years and tailored to different vehicle types. Alongside the new winter tyre for SUVs and CUVs, the range includes P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers.

*****

Pirelli Press Office

Tel. +39 02 6442 4270

pressoffice@pirelli.com – www.pirelli.com

[1] Source: S&P Global Mobility data and analysis.

[2] Tests conducted by AlVolante (Year 28, No. 10, October 2026) using 235/60 R18 tyres on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

[3] All replacement sizes available at the time of product launch achieved an A rating (100%) for wet grip under the EU tyre labelling system.

[4] All replacement sizes available at the time of product launch received EU tyre label noise ratings ranging from 25% in class A to 75% in class B.

[5] Comparison between PIRELLI SCORPION™ ELECT™ and PIRELLI SCORPION™ tyres, size 235/60 R18, measuring the increase in battery range resulting from the reduced rolling resistance of the ELECT™ version. Tests were conducted on a Volkswagen ID.4 under instrumented conditions at a constant speed of 50 km/h over a range of 550 km. Source: Pirelli in-house R&D tests conducted between March and June 2022.

[6] An explanation of how the technology works is available at this link.

Published on: 13 October 2026, 11:00 CET

Jerez hosts the final chapter in a story of success and innovation

“The Pirelli Spanish Round will mark the final chapter in the long journey that began in 2004, when Pirelli joined the FIM Superbike World Championship as Official Tyre Supplier. Over the years, we have built a partnership that has seen us become not just a supplier, but an active and strategic partner, contributing to the growth and development of the Championship.
Before saying our final goodbyes, however, we still have one last round ahead of us, which we want to approach with the same determination and the aim of bringing a particularly positive season to the best possible conclusion. The results achieved, with new records set at virtually every circuit and in a wide variety of conditions, have gone hand in hand with intensive development work, carried out alongside the teams right up to the final race.
For this last event, we have chosen to retain the softest rear options, the extrasoft SCQ and supersoft SCX, which have been used throughout much of the season. The extensive data collected over the years at Jerez, both during races and in testing, confirms that these are the most effective options for tackling a circuit characterised by low-abrasion asphalt".

Across eight race weekends, the new P Zero tyre for DTM proved to be the right product to boost competitiveness in the popular racing series.

Thomas Preining (Manthey) was crowned 2026 DTM champion at Hockenheim, where Lucas Auer (Mercedes AMG Team Landgraf) and Maro Engel (Mercedes-AMG Team Winward) claimed victory in the final two races of the season. The Hockenheim weekend also brought the debut season of the P Zero developed exclusively for the DTM to a close. Across eight race weekends and a wide range of circuits and conditions, the tyre confirmed its principal development targets: rapid warm-up, a high level of grip and predictable performance throughout each stint. These characteristics gave drivers the opportunity to influence performance through tyre management while opening up different strategic options for the teams. It also became apparent that performance was evenly distributed across all brands, meaning that each one was able to deliver its best performance under all conditions.

“Our aim was to develop a tyre that reflected the character of the DTM and made tyre management a genuine part of the competition,” said Matteo Braga, Circuit Activity Manager at Pirelli. “The combination of rapid warm-up, performance and controlled degradation gave drivers room to make a difference and teams the opportunity to explore different race strategies.”

Thomas Preining (Manthey) assesses the impact of the new Pirelli tyres as follows: “I think, all in all, the new tyres have brought about improvements on most circuits compared to the past, not only in terms of pace but also in terms of the excitement of the races.”

“In the DTM, we have created a level playing field with exclusive Pirelli tyres, whilst at the same time giving tyre management greater sporting significance. Thanks to the technologies deployed by Pirelli, we have also been able to convey this crucial aspect of the races to the spectators,” says ADAC Head of Motorsport Thomas Voss. “The debut season has shown that the tyres combine rapid warm-up times and a high level of grip with manageable wear. This opens up additional strategic options for drivers and teams and contributes to exciting, hard-to-predict races.”

The DTM tyre is produced at Pirelli’s Technology Hub in Breuberg, Hesse. The experience and data collected throughout the 2026 season will now provide the foundation for Pirelli’s continuing work in the DTM.

Furthermore, as a long-standing tyre partner, Pirelli continued to support the ADAC GT Masters in the 2026 season as well, once again providing the teams with a reliable foundation for their performance.

Today, he completed the clean sweep by adding success in Sunday’s race. Behind the Dutchman, Charles Leclerc finished second, while Kimi Antonelli claimed third place.

The Italian further extended his advantage in the World Championship standings, thanks in part to the ninth-place finish of his closest title rival and team-mate, George Russell.

The strategies adopted by the top three finishers differed slightly. Verstappen opted for a one-stop race, while Leclerc and Antonelli took advantage of a Virtual Safety Car period to make a second pit stop.

All three drivers on the podium started on the Soft before switching to the Medium. After the first tyre change, Leclerc and Antonelli pitted again on lap 39 to fit a fresh set of Soft tyres during the neutralisation. Verstappen did not take advantage of the VSC and, after completing 32 laps on his starting Soft compound, switched to the Medium and took it all the way to the chequered flag.

Only the Soft and Medium compounds were used during the race. Russell completed the longest stint on a single set of Medium tyres, covering 39 laps. Lewis Hamilton, who finished sixth, completed the highest number of laps on a set of Soft tyres, managing 44.

Antonelli therefore strengthened his lead in the World Championship, moving on to 340 points. Russell remains second on 238, while Hamilton is third with 229.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“As widely expected, regardless of the neutralisations, the one-stop strategy proved to be the most competitive, with the Soft-Medium combination emerging as the most effective option.

The C5 was the star of the race, as it delivered very long stints while maintaining a strong level of performance and offering the advantage of greater grip than the other compounds available. Drivers who used it for around half the race only experienced a performance drop-off in the closing stages.

The Hard tyre was not a strategically attractive option for the teams, as it offered less grip than the C4 which, despite being the softer compound, exhibited virtually no degradation, without providing any tangible advantages in a race already firmly geared towards a one-stop strategy. As a result, although the C3 has proven effective at other circuits, it was not selected by any driver in Singapore.

Tyre degradation was in line with what we had already observed during free practice, and the visual condition of the tyres at the end of the stints was also very encouraging, even over the longest runs. Wear was manageable, although it required a degree of attention, particularly on the rear-right.”

· Guevara wins again, misfortune for Escrig. The Moto2™ race, shortened to 14 laps following a red flag caused by an accident, was won by Izan Guevara (Boscoscuro) ahead of Manuel Gonzalez (Kalex) and Daniel Holgado (Kalex). Every rider opted for the soft SC1 front tyre, while the most popular rear option was the new F0515 development specification in soft compound, also used by the winner and runner-up. Álex Escrig (Forward), also running the F0515, had taken the lead and set a new race lap record before a technical issue forced him to retire. The problem cut short what had been an outstanding performance.

· New race lap records. Mandalika saw new race lap records in both Moto2™ and Moto3™. In Moto2™, Álex Escrig (Forward) set the new benchmark with a lap of 1’32.497 on lap three, shaving more than six tenths off the previous record of 1’33.104, set by Daniel Holgado in 2025. In Moto3™, Matteo Bertelle (KTM) stopped the clock at 1'37.189 on lap 18, beating the previous record by 66 thousandths. Despite the races being run over a different number of laps from last year, race pace improved significantly, by more than 0.6 seconds per lap in Moto2™ and around 0.4 seconds in Moto3™.

Strong performance even on scorching asphalt; congratulations to Quiles

“The overall outcome of this weekend is extremely positive. Despite particularly challenging conditions, with track temperatures reaching exceptionally high levels, the tyres delivered consistent and reliable performance over both a single lap and full race distance. The results provide clear confirmation: all-time lap records were broken in both classes yesterday, while new race lap records were set today. Race pace was also significantly faster than in previous editions, improving by around six tenths per lap in Moto2™ and four tenths in Moto3™.
The tyres played a decisive role in achieving these results, confirming high levels of performance, stability and reliability even in some of the toughest conditions of the entire season. Their behaviour on track was impeccable, allowing the riders to exploit the full potential of their bikes and tackle the challenges of the Indonesian circuit with confidence.
I would also like to highlight the excellent debut of the new F0515 soft rear specification, introduced in Moto2™ at this Grand Prix. The fact that most riders chose to use it in the race, together with the results achieved, provides very important confirmation of the development work our team carries out consistently throughout the season and encourages us to continue in this direction.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Máximo Quiles and the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team on an outstanding season and a thoroughly deserved world title, earned through consistently strong performances”.

SCX at the heart of Estoril's records
 
"As has often been the case in the past, the Estoril Round was characterised by changeable weather conditions. Falling temperatures and variable wind speeds required teams to work continuously on their set-ups to find the best possible grip on an asphalt surface that traditionally offers limited grip. Despite these challenges, Superbike riders' performances improved session after session, resulting in new lap records, a new race lap record and faster overall race times.
Our decision to make our softer production-range solutions available therefore proved to be the right one. The SCQ extrasoft enabled Bulega to set a new outright lap record at the Estoril Circuit, while the SCX supersoft, chosen by every rider in all three races over the weekend, proved highly competitive in all conditions.
Congratulations to Bulega, whose hat-trick this weekend set a new record for the most victories in a single season, and to Riichi Takahira, who clinched the Yamaha R3 World Cup title after a championship battle that remained open until the final race. Recognition is also due to Yamaha, which has invested in this category for many years. The series represents an important step in the development and competitive training of young riders aspiring to become professionals.
Next weekend, we head to Jerez de la Frontera for the final round of the FIM Superbike World Championship season, with two world titles still to be decided: the Women's World Championship and the Sportbike World Championship”.

Charles Leclerc finished second, while Lewis Hamilton secured the third-fastest time with a 1:31.496. The Briton also set his best lap on his first Q3 run, whereas his team-mate improved on his second attempt in the final part of qualifying, stopping the clock at 1:31.427. All three drivers completed two flying laps in the final session, using two new sets of Soft tyres.

For Max Verstappen, this is his first pole position at the Singapore circuit, where he has yet to claim a race victory. No rain is currently forecast for tomorrow’s Grand Prix.

However, rain played a significant role ahead of the Sprint, creating standing water in several corners and forcing Race Control to delay the start. When the race eventually got underway, the track was still damp in several areas, prompting all drivers to opt for Intermediate tyres. The green-banded tyres proved to be the ideal choice throughout the race, given the particularly tricky conditions. In the short race, Max Verstappen took the win ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second and Charles Leclerc in third.

The Pirelli Pole Position Award was presented by HYO. The South Korean singer, dancer and DJ first rose to fame as a member of Girls’ Generation, one of the most successful K-pop groups of all time, before establishing herself as an internationally acclaimed DJ.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“The conditions faced by the drivers during the Sprint were challenging because rainfall had affected only part of the circuit, effectively leaving half of the track very wet while the other half was already drying. The Intermediate tyres used at the start remained on the cars until the chequered flag and delivered remarkably consistent performance throughout the race distance. Despite the track evolving towards near-slick conditions in the closing stages, degradation remained extremely limited and the graining we observed, particularly on the front axle, had no significant impact on performance. Managing tyre temperatures was a key factor, especially in the final laps, but overall tyre wear remained fully under control.

The track still featured some damp sections during qualifying, resulting in less than ideal conditions. Teams adopted different approaches when preparing the Soft tyre. Some elected to complete an additional preparation lap to bring the tyres into their optimum operating window, as Mercedes did in Q3, although no significant advantage emerged compared to rivals who opted to push immediately on a flying lap. Once again, it was clear that tyre management is an essential part of the overall package, closely linked to both the characteristics of the car and the driver’s style.

In our view, the C5 represents the most interesting option for the start of tomorrow’s race, which could be heavily influenced by any Safety Car periods. The higher level of grip offered by the Soft in the opening phase should make it the preferred choice for most drivers, who may look to extend the first stint, aided by the low degradation levels, while waiting for a favourable neutralisation. For the second part of the race, the Medium and Hard offer relatively similar performance, although the C4 could provide an advantage in terms of grip. At present, a two-stop strategy appears unlikely, as it is estimated to be around ten seconds slower than the available one-stop alternatives.”

Record-breaking pace and a well-deserved title for Arenas
 
"First of all, I would like to congratulate Albert Arenas and the AS BLU CRU Racing Team on winning the WorldSSP Riders’ Championship. In his debut season in the category, Arenas has demonstrated great maturity and speed, together with outstanding consistency, as reflected in his 16 podium finishes across the 22 races held so far.
Race 1 confirmed the highly competitive nature of the category, with three different manufacturers represented in the top four. Performance improved steadily throughout the weekend, with riders making increasingly effective use of the potential offered by the standard-range supersoft SCX rear tyre, as demonstrated by the new lap records set in qualifying and in the race.
In WorldSBK, we also recorded a significant improvement compared with last year’s event, as shown by the new all-time qualifying lap record, the new fastest race lap and the reduction in overall race time. These performances were achieved using the same extrasoft and supersoft rear solutions as last year: at the time, these were development tyres in specifications E0479 and E0126, whereas they have now become the standard-range SCQ and SCX, respectively. These results are all the more significant given that rising temperatures and stronger winds considerably reduced the grip level of the asphalt". 

Positive debut for Moto2™ development soft rear tyre

“Track conditions at Mandalika improved progressively over the first two days and, combined with the tyres’ excellent performance in the extremely high temperatures, allowed new all-time lap records to be set in both classes.
The new F0515 development soft rear tyre made its Moto2™ debut this weekend. It shares its compound with the standard SC0 but features a completely new carcass. Rider feedback was very positive, particularly regarding its greater consistency over race distance and the improved grip it offers on both corner entry and exit. The standard SC0 also delivered excellent single-lap performance, as demonstrated by Guevara’s record-breaking pole position. For the race, however, we expect most riders to favour the new F0515 for its greater consistency, paired with the SC1 front tyre used by every rider throughout the sessions so far.
Moto3™ also saw an exceptionally fast pace, with Quiles setting a new lap record in FP2 and lowering the previous benchmark by more than three tenths of a second. Looking ahead to the race, the SC1 and SC2 front tyres delivered a very similar performance, leaving the choice down to rider preference. At the rear, long-run analysis indicates that soft SC1 and medium SC2 offer similar performance for around 12–14 laps, with the medium SC2 expected to provide greater consistency in the closing stages of the race”.

Verstappen stopped the clocks at 1m31.156s, while Russell recorded a 1m31.276s. The Mercedes driver completed two flying laps on the same set of new tyres, setting his best time on the second attempt, as did Leclerc. Russell opted for a sequence of one flying lap, two cool-down laps and then a second flying lap, while the Ferrari driver chose one flying lap, one cool-down lap and then a second attempt.

Russell was also fastest in FP1 on the C5 compound. The Mercedes driver posted a 1m32.274s lap. Behind him were Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, both of whom set their respective best times on the softest compound in the range.

Max Verstappen finished the opening track session in sixth place, the fastest of the drivers who set their best lap on the Medium compound. Nico Hülkenberg was the only driver to record his best performance on the Hard tyre. The C3 was used extensively, with all 20 drivers running the compound during the opening hour of track action.

The street circuit still required rubber to be laid down during FP1, and track evolution was particularly significant along the racing line throughout the session. With this being a Sprint weekend, teams focused much of their work on qualifying simulations, devoting less attention to race pace runs.

SIMONE BERRA – PIRELLI CHIEF ENGINEER

“The level of track evolution was very significant from the very first session. If the circuit continues to improve at this rate, it is entirely possible that lap times tomorrow could be even quicker than initially forecast.

From a tyre perspective, the factor that most differentiated the teams was warm-up. The combination of a green track and relatively low energy levels made temperature management more challenging for some teams, regardless of tyre compound. Others, however, were able to bring the tyres into the correct operating window very quickly, allowing them to push from the very first flying lap in qualifying.

Today, teams focused more on single-lap performance than race pace because, with moderate temperatures and limited degradation, qualifying is likely to carry greater importance than race management. Between the C4 and C5 compounds, we measured a performance delta of around eight to nine tenths of a second, which is broadly in line with our expectations.

One interesting aspect was the different approaches to qualifying lap preparation. Every team and driver adopted different strategies in terms of managing their attempts and cooling the tyres, while still extracting the best lap time available to them.

It highlights just how different the cars and driving styles are, and how they can therefore require different approaches while still maximising the potential of the C5. Balance and the ability to bring the front axle up to temperature quickly were certainly key factors today.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s Sprint, both the Medium and Soft compounds appear to be viable options. This could lead to a split in strategy and add another interesting dimension to the short race.”

Both Austin and Mexico City saw an attempt last year to make a bigger step on the Hard compound. In Austin, the C1 was nominated as the white-marked tyre, while in Mexico the C2 was chosen, with Medium and Soft remaining the same as this year's selection. However, the teams opted to make extensive use of the two softer options rather than trying to save a pit stop by running the Hard.

This year's selection for São Paulo is softer than in 2025 when, once again, the Hard saw little use in the race, with teams favouring two-stop strategies based around the Medium and Soft compounds. The softest trio could significantly broaden the range of strategic options available to teams at Interlagos, encouraging scenarios in which all three compounds are used during the race.

Head-to-head comparison between two soft rear tyres at Mandalika
 
“As at several rounds this year, also in Indonesia we will continue our Moto2™ development work. After focusing on front tyre specifications at the most recent Grands Prix, we will introduce a new soft rear solution at Mandalika. With its highly macro-rough asphalt and temperatures that can exceed 60°C, the circuit places the tyres under severe thermal stress, making it a particularly valuable proving ground for testing new solutions.
The F0515 development specification, which will make its debut this weekend, uses the same compound as the standard SC0 but pairs it with a newly developed structure designed to deliver greater stability and more consistent performance.
Completing the rear allocation will be the standard SC0, successfully used by almost the entire field in 2025, when it was introduced as development specification E0125. Having both solutions available will allow a direct comparison over the course of the weekend and enable us to gather valuable data to support the next stages of development.”

The 4.940-kilometre track features the typical characteristics of a street circuit, with barriers close to the racing line and limited overtaking opportunities. However, the changes introduced in 2023 to the third sector increased the number of high-speed sections, making the lap smoother and faster than in the past. Despite the presence of some straights, the circuit remains defined by numerous braking and traction phases thanks to its 19 corners, allowing modern power units to recover energy throughout the lap.

Marina Bay has a medium-to-high level of surface roughness for a street circuit, both in terms of macro- and micro-roughness. As no resurfacing work has been carried out, values are expected to be broadly in line with last season's, if not slightly higher. Track evolution will be significant over the course of the weekend. Intermittent rainfall, typical of the equatorial climate, will also influence grip levels and can alter conditions from one session to the next.

As is well known, the race takes place at night, with track temperatures ranging between 30 and 35 °C. Under these conditions, the tyres tend to operate within their working window without any particular overheating concerns. Mechanical stress is not especially high and the expected degradation will mainly be linked to the normal performance drop-off of the rear axle during traction phases. Graining and wear are also not expected to become limiting factors in race management.

For these reasons, from a strategic perspective Singapore remains one of the races in which a one-stop strategy is the preferred option for teams, also considering the time lost in the pit lane and the frequent likelihood of neutralisations. While Hard and Medium are once again expected to be the reference compounds for the race, this year the Soft could receive greater consideration on Sunday from more than one team.

The softest compound in the range has demonstrated at Budapest, Monza and Baku, where it was used, that it allows drivers to maintain a strong pace thanks to limited degradation, while also offering an advantage in terms of grip and confidence behind the wheel. These characteristics could prove even more valuable on a circuit such as Singapore, which is also known for its significant track evolution.

The latest-generation cars also appear to make better use of the softer compounds. Aerodynamic load, more effective temperature management and the formulation of the current compounds allow the softer end of the range to be used for longer and more competitive stints than in the past. With this in mind, it would come as no surprise to see the red-sidewalled tyre used in Saturday’s Sprint or, more generally, to witness more extensive use of the C5 throughout the weekend, encouraged by the Sprint format itself.

IN 2025

Medium and Soft were the two compounds chosen by teams for the opening part of the race, with 14 drivers starting on the C4 and the remainder on the C5. The Hard was ruled out because the track was still damp following the rain that had fallen earlier in the afternoon. The C3 then became the preferred compound for the second stint. Almost the entire grid completed a one-stop race, with only three drivers opting for a two-stop strategy.

STATISTICS

The upcoming race will be the seventeenth edition of the Singapore Grand Prix. The event has been held continuously since 2008, with the only interruption caused by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The drivers with the most victories on the Marina Bay street circuit are Sebastian Vettel (5) and Lewis Hamilton (4), both of whom have started from pole position four times. Among the constructors, Mercedes leads the way with five victories.

PODIUM CAP

The cap that drivers will wear on the podium of the Singapore Grand Prix will feature an orchid-inspired design. This flower is particularly celebrated in Singapore for its ability to thrive in conditions of heat, humidity and heavy rainfall, turning fragility into resilience. The special edition Pirelli Podium Cap is produced by Pirelli Design and signed by designer Denis Dekovic. The special edition is already available for purchase on Pirelli's e-commerce platform: https://store.pirelli.com.

Estoril, a technical and unpredictable circuit
 
“Estoril is a circuit we know very well, as it has hosted the FIM Superbike World Championship, albeit with some interruptions, since the late 1980s. In terms of its layout and asphalt characteristics, with the last complete resurfacing dating back to 2006, it is a track that has historically not offered particularly high levels of grip, while placing different types of demands on the tyres. The circuit’s geographical location, not far from the coast, is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration, with the possibility of rainfall and sudden temperature changes potentially requiring teams and riders to react quickly with their bike set-up.
“Last year, precisely because of these characteristics, we provided riders with two rear development solutions: the E0479 extrasoft and the E0126 supersoft. Both were immediately appreciated, delivering significant improvements both over a single lap and across race distance. These two specifications were subsequently promoted to range tyres, making them available to all motorcyclists, and they are being offered again for this round. It will be interesting to see whether the performance growth recorded throughout this season is confirmed this weekend as well".

Milan, 5 October 2026 – Developed specifically for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, recently unveiled as the first Official FIA F1^® Safety Car equipped with fully variable all-wheel drive, the new Pirelli P Zero R is an ultra-high-performance tyre that combines dry-weather ‘qualifying-level’ performance with an extremely precise steering response, while ensuring safe handling in wet conditions. This P Zero R has been developed to deliver consistent performance during Safety Car deployments in Formula 1®, when precision, reliability and control become paramount.

This ability to deliver high levels of performance in both dry and wet conditions is the result of a dual-compound tread and, thanks to virtualisation, the development of specific tread pattern details designed to optimise performance on this particular vehicle. The tyre is the result of co-development with engineers from Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach and has been refined using the virtual simulation models that are a key part of Pirelli’s development process. The two compounds, the land-to-groove ratio and the width of the tread pattern channels have all been designed to work in synergy with the vehicle’s suspension geometry and camber, optimising the tyre’s contact patch in different driving conditions. This helps maximise grip and enhance steering precision, while increasing high-speed stability without compromising performance on wet surfaces.

The project is part of Pirelli’s role in Formula 1® as the sport’s sole tyre supplier since 2011, a position recently confirmed by the FIA and Formula 1® and extended through to 2028. The relationship dates back to the inaugural race in 1950 and, over the years, Pirelli has accompanied the technical evolution of the FIA Formula One World Championship™, reaching the milestone of 500 Grands Prix in 2025. The experience gained on track, including in the most extreme conditions, provides Pirelli with a laboratory for innovation whose findings are also reflected in the development of road tyres.

Bespoke development

The 21-inch P Zero R for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ was designed by Pirelli to put all the power of its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine onto the road. The engine delivers 450 kW (612 hp) and 850 Nm of maximum torque. The car has been conceived to offer high levels of performance and drivability, also thanks to the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, which requires tyres capable of coping with rapid load transfers while allowing the car to exploit its high dynamic potential. The P Zero R enhances these characteristics through its high level of grip, precise response and consistency of performance, making it an ideal tyre for track use as well.

Testing phase

This product – the first P Zero R developed specifically for a Mercedes-AMG – underwent extensive testing at the Nürburgring and Nardò, with the participation of AMG brand ambassador and Official FIA F1^® Safety Car Driver Bernd Mayländer as well as other experienced Safety Car drivers. They praised the tyre’s consistency of performance and high level of grip across a wide range of conditions.

The project confirms the long-standing collaboration between Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG in the development of high-performance tyres. This is based on a co-development process that combines the expertise of the two brands from the earliest stages of vehicle development and has so far resulted in more than 150 fitments. In line with the Perfect Fit approach, the tyre specification for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ is identified by the ‘MO1’ marking on the sidewall, indicating that it has been specifically developed for this model.

The previous Official FIA F1® Safety Car from the performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which served in the role from 2022 to 2026, was also equipped with Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The latest milestone in the collaboration between Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG was the Nürburgring Nordschleife record set by the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+, equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres. With a time of 7:32.070 minutes, the sporty four-door saloon claimed the title of the fastest vehicle in its segment on the legendary German circuit.

Published on: 5 October 2026, 11:00 CET

The Bahrain Grand Prix was full of incidents, starting with a delayed start. Race Control postponed the start due to standing water in several corners of the circuit. When the race finally got under way, still in difficult conditions, there was significant variation in tyre choices: nine drivers opted for Intermediates, while the remainder of the field selected either Softs or Mediums.

From the opening laps it was clear that the track was still too wet for slick tyres. A further six drivers therefore quickly pitted to switch to Intermediates. After nine laps, the Safety Car was deployed following Valtteri Bottas’ off-track excursion. At the restart, with the asphalt almost dry, all drivers returned to action on slick tyres. Over the course of the race, every compound in the range was used except the Full Wet.

Verstappen quickly built a margin over the two Mercedes drivers but saw his advantage wiped out by a Virtual Safety Car that was later upgraded to a full Safety Car. The Red Bull driver had in fact stopped ten laps before the neutralisation to fit a set of Softs. Both he and Kimi Antonelli, who eventually finished second, took advantage of the VSC to make an additional stop and fit another set of used Softs.

In the closing laps, Verstappen managed to hold off Antonelli and secure the victory. Lewis Hamilton finished third for Ferrari. The Ferrari driver was one of the few not to use Intermediates, choosing instead to start directly on Softs, on which he completed 31 laps. He then switched to a used set of Mediums before making a final stop during the Virtual Safety Car period for a set of used Softs, which he ran to the chequered flag.

Antonelli therefore followed an Intermediate-Medium-Soft-Soft strategy, while Verstappen opted for Intermediate-Soft-Soft-Soft, with Hamilton completing the race on Soft-Medium-Soft. The Sepang podium therefore featured three drivers from three different teams, each using a different strategy.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“Sepang provided the first real opportunity this season to see significant use of the Intermediate tyre. In the conditions encountered today, its performance was positive, delivering a high level of grip and consistent performance throughout its stint length. In the closing laps, as the track continued to dry, a slight amount of graining appeared on the wet-weather tyres, although there were no particular wear concerns despite the highly abrasive surface.

The environmental conditions played a decisive role in the Malaysian Grand Prix. Temperatures were noticeably lower than those recorded in previous days and, following the downpour before the start, the track remained damp for much of the race. This helped keep tyre temperatures under control and reduced thermal degradation.

In this scenario, the Soft proved particularly competitive, enabling very long stints and delivering consistent performance, helped by teams gradually bringing it into the operating window tested on Friday. Some drivers managed to cover almost half the race on the softest compound, while the neutralisations prompted many teams to opt for the C4 in the closing stages. Both the Hard and Medium also displayed consistent and predictable behaviour, albeit with lower grip levels than the Soft, confirming themselves as viable options for both the frontrunning teams and those in the midfield.”

Extremely fast races, new records and consistent tyre performance
 
“The Japanese Grand Prix’s conclusion has been extremely positive for Pirelli. On Motegi’s new asphalt - one of the weekend’s main unknown variables - the entire range delivered a consistently high performance, with the riders exploiting their full potential over a single lap and across the race distance. The timing data confirms how effective the solutions we brought to the track actually were: new race lap records were set in both classes, with improvements of more than 1.2 seconds in Moto2™ and almost six tenths in Moto3™. Even more significant is the comparison over the full race distance, with Moto2™ being more than 35 seconds faster than in 2025’s, and Moto3™ improving its race time by over 24 seconds.
In Moto2™, the new 2026-specification rear SCX tyre’s contribution was significant. Its supersoft compound proved well suited to the new asphalt’s characteristics, delivering high levels of grip and consistent performance throughout the race. In Moto3™, we received further confirmation of how much our range is versatile. With every possible combination of the soft SC1 and medium SC2 front and rear compounds being used in the race, we provide a broad range of options to the teams. In terms of results, those combos with medium SC2 tyres on both axles proved particularly effective, although Almansa still took home the race with SC1 tyres at the front. Finally, providing further evidence of the tyres’ consistent performance, Uriarte set the new race lap record on the penultimate lap, when the tyres had travelled almost the entire race distance”.

Hamilton began the session on the Medium compound before switching to the Soft. The same approach was adopted by Charles Leclerc, Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. The rest of the field used only the C4. The polesitter used four new sets of Soft tyres and posted the fastest lap of the day on his final flying run, improving his personal benchmark in the final sector.

The highest temperatures of the day were recorded during the third free practice session, with track temperatures reaching 54°C before dropping as cloud cover moved in. All three compounds were used in FP3, although the majority of drivers focused their work on the C4.

Charles Leclerc was the only driver to run the Hard compound before switching to a new set of Softs. Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar used the Medium, with the reigning World Champion setting his best time on the C3.

The top three drivers all recorded their fastest laps on the red-marked tyre. Kimi Antonelli was quickest with a time of 1:36.302, Verstappen finished second in 1:36.580, while his team-mate Hadjar ended the session third in 1:36.860.

The Pirelli Pole Position Award was presented by Alvin Chong, a popular Malaysian actor and singer. He is well known in both the Malaysian and Chinese entertainment industries.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“Track conditions improved progressively throughout the day, allowing the Soft compound to deliver a very competitive level of performance in qualifying. Despite this, lap times remained significantly slower than those predicted by the simulations, indicating that the track evolution was not sufficient to close the gap.

In the attempt to extract the maximum potential from the C4 immediately, the degradation generated on the compound meant that no genuinely competitive laps could be completed after the first flying lap today. At the same time, in yesterday’s running it demonstrated that it can maintain an acceptable level of consistency over race distances when it is brought gradually into its correct operating window over the opening laps. This characteristic could prove particularly important tomorrow, given the number of Soft sets retained by several teams.

Tomorrow’s Grand Prix looks especially interesting from a strategic perspective. Most drivers have two sets of Hard tyres available, which should provide a solid option for the longer stints thanks to their greater thermal resistance and lower degradation compared to the softer compounds. On paper, the Medium-Hard-Hard and Soft-Hard-Hard combinations appear to be among the most competitive.

There are, however, some particular situations, such as those of Verstappen and Leclerc, who each have only one set of C2 tyres available and may therefore consider different approaches, making greater use of the Soft and Medium compounds or even evaluating three-stop strategies. In this scenario, the range of possibilities becomes much broader, with shorter stints and increased flexibility.

By contrast, we are unlikely to see one-stop strategies, which on paper offer no advantage in terms of total race time at a circuit where overtaking remains possible at several points around the track. Finally, there remains an element of uncertainty related to the weather, with a chance of rain that could influence the teams’ strategic choices.”

New all-time lap records on Motegi’s resurfaced track

“Motegi’s new asphalt has greatly affected the track performance, as evidenced by the circuit records set in both classes. In Moto2™, lap times gradually lowered in every session through to qualifying, when Guevara improved the previous record by more than one second. The new 2026-specification supersoft SCX rear also contributed to this result, once again confirming its high performance potential also at this circuit. The Moto3™ circuit record was also updated, this time with the same tyre solutions used in 2025. The new results was achieved thanks to the new asphalt’s higher grip, and as the teams and riders are getting more and more familiar with our tyres, after three seasons.
The new surface provides a very high level of grip while keeping tyre wear relatively low, which is particularly interesting from a race perspective. In Moto2™, we expect all riders to unanimously opt for the softest combination available, with a SC1 front and SCX rear combo. On the other hand, in Moto3™, the track’s grip reduces the advantage normally provided by the soft SC1 rear option, which is why many riders are leaning towards the medium SC2, whose competitive performance has shown with greater consistency. Honda riders may, however, continue to prefer the SC1. The soft SC1 front tyre will likely be the most popular choice, with a few exceptions”.

Isack Hadjar finished FP2 in second place with a time of 1:37.627, while Lando Norris recorded the third-fastest lap with a 1:37.665. The reigning World Champion ran exclusively on the C4, the Soft compound for this weekend, using two sets during the second hour of running. Hadjar and Leclerc also set their best laps on a set of Soft tyres, although both drivers additionally used a set of Mediums during the session. No driver ran on the Hard compound today.

During the second half of FP2, every team focused exclusively on race pace work. Tyre management is expected to play a crucial role on Sunday and, for that reason, teams sought to gather as much data as possible ahead of the Grand Prix.

In FP1, held in slightly cooler conditions than those seen in the afternoon, almost the entire field split its programme between Soft and Medium tyres. Only Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad and Franco Colapinto ran exclusively on the red-marked compound.

Verstappen ended the day at the top of the combined classification thanks to the 1:37.520 he set on the C4 during FP1. In the opening hour of running, the Dutchman completed 16 laps on his second set of Softs and seven on the first.

George Russell set the second-fastest time with a 1:37.903, recording his benchmark lap on Soft tyres after completing an 18-lap stint on a single set of Mediums. Hadjar finished third with a 1:38.303 and, like his team-mate, focused exclusively on evaluating the Soft compound, covering eight laps on the first set and 15 on the second.

SIMONE BERRA – PIRELLI CHIEF ENGINEER

“Track conditions played a decisive role in tyre behaviour throughout this opening day at Sepang. From the outset, grip levels were low due to dust on the surface and a particularly abrasive track that requires a significant amount of rubbering-in before it can deliver its full potential.

This had a clear impact on track evolution and lap times, to the extent that Friday’s fastest lap remained virtually unchanged between FP1 and FP2. The benchmark time was more than four seconds slower than the qualifying simulation reference, a mark that the cars may struggle to approach tomorrow.

The sessions were also characterised by high thermal degradation, generated by tyre sliding and the nature of the track surface, with a significant impact particularly during the long runs.

The absence of the forecast rain during FP2 allowed teams to complete a number of race simulations, enabling us to gather substantial data on the C3 and C4 compounds, which displayed very similar levels of performance in terms of both pace and degradation.

At times, the Soft proved more consistent than the Medium because its higher level of grip helps limit sliding and, consequently, heat generation. The performance delta between the two compounds is around half a second, in line with expectations. The Hard remains an unknown quantity, however, as teams chose not to use it and instead preserve their available sets for the race.

With degradation levels similar to those seen today, performance drop-off is between two and three tenths of a second per lap. As a result, Sunday’s race could be shaped by two or more pit stops, which was precisely the outcome we hoped to encourage through the compound selection for this event. Before defining a more precise scenario, however, it will be necessary to carry out a further analysis of the data collected throughout the day.”

Located just a few kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, the circuit is 5.543 km long and combines lengthy straights with a series of high-speed corners, particularly concentrated in the middle sector. It is a track that generates medium energy levels through the tyres, placing it in a severity range comparable to Spa-Francorchamps and Shanghai. Ambient and track temperatures will be an important factor in tyre management, making thermal degradation one of the key variables throughout the weekend.

For the return to Kuala Lumpur, Pirelli has selected the C2, C3 and C4 compounds, designated respectively as Hard, Medium and Soft. This choice is slightly more aggressive than the harder trio that would have represented a more conservative option given the characteristics of the circuit. The objective is to provide teams with a broader strategic range and create conditions in which the time difference between one-stop and two-stop strategies is reduced.

Sepang features a relatively abrasive surface, with a level of roughness comparable to Bahrain, while retaining its own distinctive characteristics. Grip levels are likely to be low on Friday but should improve progressively over the course of the weekend as the track evolves. One of the main challenges facing teams will be thermal management across both axles.

The circuit has undergone several changes in recent years. In 2023, the section between Turns 6 and 12 was resurfaced, with further work carried out in the area around Turn 9. However, the overall characteristics of the surface, as assessed by Pirelli engineers just a few weeks ago, remain very similar to those recorded in 2017.

More recently, from the beginning of September, additional surface levelling work was carried out to remove irregularities in the asphalt, alongside cleaning operations aimed at improving track conditions ahead of the World Championship event.

Teams will also have to contend with a lack of available data. Despite being a historic venue, no team possesses truly relevant references relating to the current generation of Formula 1 cars.

As a result, Friday practice sessions will be more important than usual, both for drivers, who will need to familiarise themselves with a circuit that many have only experienced in the simulator, and for teams, which must identify the correct car balance and assess tyre behaviour.

While there is no shortage of technical unknowns, the weather could add a further layer of complexity. Afternoon thunderstorms are a regular feature of the region in early October and could affect any session during the weekend. Intense heat, high humidity and sudden downpours have always been among the defining characteristics of the Malaysian Grand Prix during its years as a permanent fixture on the Formula 1 calendar.

STATISTICS

The upcoming event will be the twentieth Grand Prix held at Sepang, which was part of the Formula 1 calendar from 1999 to 2017. The driver with the most victories in Kuala Lumpur is Sebastian Vettel, with four wins, one more than Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. Schumacher also shares the record for pole positions at the Malaysian circuit with Lewis Hamilton, with both drivers having started from pole five times. Among the teams, Scuderia Ferrari holds the record with seven victories.

Pirelli AND ABET HTS RECEIVE pm OFFICE’S DECISION FAVOURABLY

Milan, 29 September 2026 – With regard to the Golden Power Procedure launched by the Prime Minister’s Office following notification by Pirelli & C. S.p.A. (“Pirelli”), together with ABET High Tech Solutions S.r.l. (“ABET HTS”), it should be noted that on 28 September 2026 the two companies received communication of a provision approved on 24 September 2026 with which the Cabinet exercised its special powers (the “Prime Ministerial Decree”).

It should be noted that the object of the notification was also the agreement, announced on 5 August 2026, of the joint development of technology aimed at the creation of remote-controlled electric terrestrial vehicles to serve as rescue vehicles in environments and on surfaces that are particularly arduous and extreme (the “Co-development Agreememt”).

The Prime Ministerial Decree viewed as being of strategic importance for the defence system, in accordance with article 1 of Legislative Decree 2012, no. 21, the activity carried out in the defence sector by Pirelli and by ABET HTS, as well as the Co-development Agreement.

Applying criteria of maximum precaution and for the protection of interests that are fundamental to national defence and safety, the Prime Ministerial Decree set measures of a techno-organizational nature regarding Pirelli and ABET HTS, aimed at protecting the industrial property rights, know-how, products and relative data of strategic importance for the system of national defence and safety and to guarantee the continuity and standard of the Research & Development activities of Pirelli and ABET HTS for all the activities caried out, and which will be carried out, in this sector. 

Pirelli and ABET HTS received the decision adopted by the Prime Minister’s Office favourably.

Published on: 29 September 2026, 9:55 CET

Milan, 28 September 2026 – Pirelli is the exclusive supplier of 22-inch tyres for the new BRABUS BODO CABRIOLET. For this model, Pirelli has developed a bespoke P Zero, which is also available for the Coupé version. The tyre has been designed to provide the Gran Turismo with grip, even at the high speeds of which this convertible is capable, while also delivering the comfort and precision required by the German luxury brand.

Joint development

For the development of the bespoke tyres for the BRABUS BODO CABRIOLET – the open-top counterpart to the brand’s high-performance Gran Turismo Coupé, dedicated to company founder Bodo Buschmann – BRABUS chose to work with Pirelli. Throughout the development process, Pirelli engineers worked closely with BRABUS to tailor the tyres to the supercar’s specific technical characteristics, including its chassis set-up, wheel dimensions and the performance of the V12 engine, which enables the exclusive 2+2-seater to reach speeds of up to 360 km/h. Particular attention was paid to optimising the tyre’s construction, tread pattern and compound, with the aim of achieving the right balance between high-speed performance, steering precision, stability and comfort. This approach reflects BRABUS’ commitment to every detail of the vehicle, as highlighted by Joern Gander, CTO of BRABUS: “The successful development of this 22-inch tyre combination, created together with Pirelli, underlines our ambition to perfectly harmonise maximum performance, precision and driving dynamics with the BRABUS BODO, right down to the smallest detail.”

From simulation to the track

The tyre was developed using advanced virtualisation and simulation techniques, allowing Pirelli engineers to optimise its various characteristics virtually and assess its behaviour in relation to the supercar’s unique specifications. This phase was followed by an intensive joint testing programme at the Papenburg test track in Germany. During the tests, handling characteristics and high-speed performance were evaluated, fine-tuning the tyre’s behaviour to suit the specific characteristics of the BRABUS BODO CABRIOLET.

Attention to design

Aesthetic considerations also played an important role in the development process: the tyre helps emphasise the BODO’s bold character through its high-contrast sidewall, a distinctive feature of Pirelli’s high-end products, further enhancing the configuration with 22-inch wheels. The result is a tyre designed to handle the power and torque delivered by the engine to the fullest, ensuring high levels of performance, steering precision and stability, without compromising the comfort expected of a Grand Tourer. Developed specifically for the BRABUS BODO CABRIOLET, the P Zero features a “BB” marking on the sidewall, identifying its bespoke development for the model. It is available in 285/30 ZR22 XL for the front axle and 335/25 ZR22 XL for the rear.

Published on: 28 September 2026, 11:00 CET

At Motegi, the challenge of the new asphalt will be tackled with the softest compounds
 
“At last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, drawing on the experience gained in 2024, our debut season, and on the subsequent development work, we introduced a more soft-compound-oriented rear allocation for Moto2™, bringing the supersoft SCX, which proved particularly well suited to the Motegi circuit, where grip levels were low and tyre wear limited until last year. The feedback gathered on track, in terms of both outright performance and consistency over race distance, confirmed that this was the right choice. For this reason, in the absence of any evidence suggesting a change of direction, we have decided to confirm the same allocation again this year, with the supersoft SCX appearing, at least on paper, to be the benchmark solution for the weekend.
The most interesting aspect to assess, however, will be the new asphalt at Mobility Resort Motegi. A completely renewed surface inevitably introduces many variables, so it will be essential to analyse its grip level and the resulting impact on wear and degradation from the opening sessions. Depending on the characteristics that emerge over the course of the weekend and on the weather conditions, which can be particularly changeable at Motegi at this time of year, the soft SC0 could also prove to be a highly competitive choice and offer teams an additional strategic option.”

· WorldSSP double for Alcoba. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki) completes a double by also winning WorldSSP Race 2, ahead of Albert Arenas (Yamaha) and Tom Booth-Amos (Triumph), who set a new fastest race lap of 1’31.587, more than four tenths quicker than the previous record. All riders used the SC1 soft front and SCX supersoft rear combination. Carter Thompson (Yamaha) took victory in World Sportbike, while in the Yamaha R3 World Cup Richi Takahira claimed his third win of the season and moved into the championship lead, one point ahead of Xarly Mendez. The title will be decided at the final round in Estoril.

A day of celebration for Italian colours and Pirelli

“First, I would like to congratulate Nicolò Bulega, Ducati and the Aruba.it Racing team on securing a title of exceptional significance, with an Italian rider on an Italian motorcycle once again at the top of the FIM Superbike World Championship, 14 years after Biaggi’s success with Aprilia. Bulega has enjoyed an outstanding season, with results and records that reflect the talent, determination and consistency he has demonstrated throughout the championship. In Cremona, too, he approached the weekend with great intelligence and maturity, managing his championship lead with the composure of a true champion. At the same time, Iker Lecuona’s hat-trick confirms the high level of competitiveness achieved and the strength Ducati has demonstrated throughout the season.
Once again, our standard production tyres – the same products available on the market to all enthusiasts and riders – have demonstrated their performance, helping to set new outright and race lap records and further confirming the strong link between racing and the development of products for road users.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the Pirelli employees who took part in today’s flash mob in the grandstands at the Cremona Circuit. By forming the Pirelli logo and the words “Thanks WorldSBK”, they paid tribute to a unique 23-year partnership that has left a lasting mark on the history of the FIM Superbike World Championship and represents a chapter of which we are particularly proud.”

During the opening stint, Russell managed to build a significant gap over the chasing pack. However, after two Safety Car periods, Verstappen fought his way back into second place. From that point onwards, the Red Bull driver piled pressure on the Briton, remaining consistently within a second of the lead. In the end, Russell held firm and kept Verstappen behind all the way to the chequered flag, crossing the line just one tenth of a second ahead.

The pair finished the race on the Soft compound after starting from the grid on the C4, while Hadjar opted for an alternative strategy, beginning the race on the C5 and finishing on the Medium. All three podium finishers took advantage of the first Safety Car period to make their pit stop.

The entire field used a combination of the two softest compounds, with 12 drivers opting to start on the Medium and 10 on the Soft. The C4 and C5 were used almost equally throughout the race, with 49% of laps completed on the Medium and 51% on the Soft.

Kimi Antonelli, who finished fifth, retains the lead of the FIA Formula One World Championship standings on 302 points. Thanks to this victory, Russell has significantly reduced the gap and now trails his team-mate by just 66 points.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“Today’s race largely confirmed our pre-race expectations. The Soft and Medium compounds proved to be the most effective choices, to the extent that the grid was split almost evenly between the two options at the start, regardless of starting position, with some teams differentiating tyre selection between their drivers. Many teams attempted to extend the opening stint in the hope of benefiting from a race neutralisation, a scenario that ultimately materialised.

From a tyre behaviour standpoint, the extremely low degradation observed over the previous days was once again evident during the Grand Prix. Both the C4 and C5 displayed very low wear levels, with no significant graining, allowing drivers to maintain a strong pace for most of the race.

In these conditions, the Soft provided an advantage in terms of grip and driver confidence, particularly noticeable on a demanding circuit such as Baku, to the point that it proved to be the most competitive race tyre. A clear example was provided by the two Red Bull drivers who, despite having identical machinery but opposite strategies, saw the driver on the red-marked tyre deliver the stronger performance.

Overall, drivers were able to push from start to finish with very limited tyre management, focusing mainly on bringing the front axle back into the operating window after the various restarts following neutralisations, in order to avoid lock-ups and braking errors, incidents that nevertheless still occurred. The Hard compound, meanwhile, played no role in the race, as the performance of the other two compounds never made a more conservative option necessary.”

Rafael Camara won the second Feature Race of the weekend in Baku. The Brazilian driver took the chequered flag in second position but knew that Alexander Dunne was set to receive a time penalty. A five-second sanction dropped Dunne to third in the final classification despite crossing the line first. Nikola Tsolov therefore inherited second place, allowing the top three contenders in the championship battle to occupy the entire podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Camara now leads the standings on 207 points, closely followed by Tsolov on 200, while Dunne sits third with 189 points.

Record-breaking performances with Pirelli rear tyres

"The first day of racing at Cremona confirmed the positive trend seen throughout the season, with further performance improvements across all classes. Despite the circuit being particularly sensitive to temperature variations, lap times quickly approached those recorded in last year’s edition, which was held with the same tyre allocation. The SCX tyre from the range played a decisive role, having already been chosen by all riders from the opening sessions and delivering extremely competitive performance.
“In qualifying, the performance level increased further: the first six riders made the most of the greater grip offered by the new SCQ tyre from the range to go below the previous lap record. On the lap that earned him pole position, Lecuona improved the previous benchmark by more than six tenths. It will be interesting to see whether this solution will also be used in tomorrow’s Superpole Race, although the work carried out by the teams throughout the weekend suggests a clear preference for the SCX even in the shorter race".

Russell set the lap that earned him pole on his third flying run in Q3, using the same set of Soft tyres throughout the decisive session. Both the Mercedes driver and Leclerc used only three sets of the red-banded compound during qualifying, managing to extract multiple competitive laps from each set. Piastri, by contrast, used four different sets of C5 tyres.

During FP3, twelve drivers split their programme between the Medium and Soft compounds, while the rest of the field focused exclusively on the C5. Everyone completed significant mileage to fine-tune car setup ahead of qualifying.

Max Verstappen set the benchmark in FP3 with a 1:43.922. George Russell finished second on 1:44.021, with Lewis Hamilton third on 1:44.033. Verstappen and Russell began their programmes on the Medium compound before switching to the Soft, while Hamilton ran exclusively on the C5, using two new sets during the session. All three drivers set their fastest times on the softest compound in the range.

While track temperatures reached 40°C during FP3, with wind gusts between 30 and 35 km/h, the figure steadily declined during qualifying, falling to around 30°C by the end of the hour-long session. Ambient temperatures remained relatively stable throughout the day, hovering around 25°C.

The Pirelli Pole Position Award was presented by Casey Stoner, the two-time MotoGP World Champion who claimed titles in 2007 and 2011. The Australian retired from competition in 2012 after contesting 178 Grands Prix and securing 89 podium finishes.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“Today's conditions were, as expected, significantly different from yesterday's, with lower air and track temperatures and strong winds that contributed to making the cars less stable, particularly at the rear. At the start of FP3, the track was very dirty and offered limited grip, to the point that lap times were slower than those recorded in yesterday's session. Drivers spent the first hour building confidence with the circuit and refining car setup ahead of qualifying.

Track evolution was significant throughout the day, allowing lap times to improve consistently and eventually reach the levels predicted by qualifying simulations. The absence of meaningful degradation enabled teams to push for multiple consecutive runs on the same set of Soft tyres, benefiting from track evolution, lower fuel loads and improved tyre operating conditions. It was therefore no surprise that several drivers, including pole-sitter Russell, set their fastest laps on the third attempt using the same set.

The data gathered so far confirms that a one-stop strategy remains the most competitive option. Combinations involving the Medium and Soft compounds appear particularly effective given the limited wear levels observed. The use of the Hard compound in the second stint could become an alternative worth considering should an early neutralisation occur.”

Friday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix featured a double-header for the Formula 2 Championship. The morning Sprint Race was won by Dino Beganovic, ahead of Laurens van Hoepen in second place and Alexander Dunne in third. All three drivers on the podium completed the entire race on the Soft compound.

Later in the afternoon, the field returned to the track for the 28-lap Feature Race. Victory went to Alexander Dunne, who started on Supersoft tyres before making the scheduled switch to the Soft compound. A subsequent red flag allowed him to fit another new set of Softs and secure the win. Martinius Stenshorne crossed the line in second place, while Dino Beganovic completed the top three.

Thanks to his victory and podium finish from the morning race, Dunne has reignited his title challenge. He now sits third in the standings, just eight points behind championship leader Rafael Camara. Nikola Tsolov occupies second place, only one point behind Camara. The second Feature Race of the Baku weekend is scheduled for Saturday.

All three drivers used both the Medium and Soft compounds during the session, setting their best times on the softer tyre. It was an approach adopted by most of the field, with only a few exceptions. The two McLaren drivers and Franco Colapinto paired a set of Hards with a set of Softs, while Aston Martin focused its programme exclusively on the C5.

During FP2, air temperatures remained around 31°C, while track temperature peaked at 44.8°C. Even higher values had been recorded during the first session, when the track reached 47.6°C. Wind also played a significant role in FP1, a characteristic feature of the Azerbaijani circuit, with gusts of up to 25 km/h.

In the morning session, the majority of mileage was completed on the Hard tyre, corresponding to the C3 compound this weekend. Only Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Franco Colapinto began their running on the Medium, while all the other drivers started their programmes on the hardest compound.

As the session progressed, 12 drivers switched to the Soft. The fastest time of the morning was set by George Russell, who recorded a 1:45.387 on the C5. Max Verstappen also set his best lap on the Soft compound, while Charles Leclerc finished third using the Medium.

SIMONE BERRA – PIRELLI CHIEF ENGINEER

“It was a first day heavily influenced by a particularly dirty track, with dust even on the racing line, resulting in very significant track evolution. Lap times improved consistently throughout the day, with differences of up to two seconds between the two sessions. Compared to last year, the track surface appeared less favourable, particularly affecting the tyre warm-up phase.

Teams focused their work on car set-up in order to bring the tyres into the correct operating window, especially on the front axle. This proved to be crucial both for maximising single-lap performance, which was often achieved only after several attempts, and for limiting the risk of braking lock-ups.

The teams generally completed an intensive programme of work with all three compounds in preparation for a race that is increasingly expected to be a one-stop affair. Degradation levels were in fact very low, and track evolution almost completely offset tyre wear during some long runs, making lap times progressively quicker. We did not observe any graining, which is an interesting finding considering the very smooth track surface. In terms of lap time performance, the data indicates deltas broadly in line with simulations: around half a second between the C4 and C5, and a few tenths between the C3 and C4.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, with lower temperatures and stronger wind gusts forecast, tyre preparation will once again be a key factor. The track will offer more grip than today, but teams will need to manage traffic and generate as much energy as possible in the tyres. For Saturday’s Grand Prix, all compounds remain theoretically viable, although the two softer options may take on a more prominent role in light of the expected drop in temperatures.”

Alongside the traditional Sprint Race, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend features a special schedule with two Formula 2 Feature Races. Drivers therefore took part in two separate qualifying sessions on Thursday. In Qualifying 1, Alex Dunne secured pole position with a time of 1:55.383. This pole determines the grid for the first Feature Race and for the Sprint Race, which will use the traditional partially reversed-grid format. Martinius Stenshorne qualified second with a 1:55.416, while Noël León took third with a 1:55.517. In Qualifying 2, which sets the starting order for the second Feature Race of the weekend, Stenshorne turned the tables by setting the fastest time with a 1:55.728. Qualifying 1 pole-sitter Dunne finished second with a 1:54.173, while Rafael Câmara recorded the third-fastest time with a 1:54.227.

NO IMPACT ON 2026 TARGETS. CAPEX-TO-REVENUE RATIO FOR 2027-2033 IN CONTINUITY WITH PREVIOUS PERIODS

THE PROJECT IS AIMED AT SUPPORTING GROWTH IN WORLD'S LARGEST HIGH VALUE MARKET AND STRENGTHENING LOCAL-FOR-LOCAL STRATEGY

***

BOARD APPROVES NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

***

Milan, September 22, 2026 – The Board of Directors of Pirelli & C. S.p.A. met today and majority approved - with the contrary vote of board members Zhang Haitao, Xi Xiaohong and Wang Kun - an investment plan for the United States worth approximately €1 billion (around $1.2 billion), aimed at expanding the Rome, Georgia plant, which already produces the most technologically advanced solutions for the U.S. market.

The investment plan will support Pirelli’s growth in the High Value segment in the United States, the world's largest market for this segment, accounting for approximately 40% of global volumes. The project will strengthen the company's local-for-local strategy, enhance supply chain resilience, and meet the growing demand for technologically advanced “Made in USA” products. Furthermore, the investment reinforces Pirelli’s long-term commitment to the country, where the company has operated in the State of Georgia since 2002 and established strong relationships with government institutions, local authorities, and universities.

The expansion plan will be implemented over several years starting in 2027 and increase annual production capacity at the Rome plant, including Cyber™ Tyre technology, to approximately 6 million car tyres upon completion in 2033 and is expected to create around 1,000 new jobs.

The expansion of the Rome plant, which will become a state-of-the-art industrial hub, will take place in two phases. The first phase will involve a gradual increase in robotized production based on the latest evolution of MIRS (Modular Integrated Robotized System), a proprietary Pirelli technology, with production capacity progressively increasing from 2028 and ultimately reaching 3 million tyres per year. This will be achieved through autonomous modular robotic systems capable of manufacturing technologically advanced High Value tyres.

In addition, a fully automated conventional production facility will be built using the most advanced manufacturing processes and dedicated to premium products, with an additional production capacity at completion of 3 million tyres per year at full operation.

The plant will be able to produce the most advanced technology products, including Cyber™ Tyre  Following the governance changes introduced under Italy’s 2026 Golden Power Decree, Pirelli obtained authorization from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to market the Cyber™ Tyre system in the U.S. market, a country increasingly adopting connected and autonomous vehicles.

This expansion plan will permit Pirelli to implement the growth of production capacity in a gradual manner and in line with the evolution of demand, maintaining very high efficiency standards and optimizing the costs of raw material transformation and investment.

The project timeline is consistent with the industrial requirements of the High Value segment, which require highly specialized manufacturing processes, small-batch management of a broad product mix, and integration of Pirelli’s proprietary technologies.

The project will not have an impact on the company's 2026 targets, with the capex-to-revenue ratio for 2027-2033 seen remaining substantially in continuity with previous periods, while preserving the Group’s cash generation.

***

Pirelli also announces that today the Board of Directors approved a new organizational structure which foresees the elimination of Corporate General Management function with immediate effect. The Board therefore approved the terms and conditions relative to the resolution of the employment relationship of the Corporate General Manager Francesco Tanzi. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Tanzi will maintain his executive employment relationship with the Company until December 31, 2026.

In accordance with the current Pirelli Group Remuneration Policy, Mr. Tanzi will be entitled, in addition to the amounts accrued up to the date of termination of his executive employment relationship, to a severance indemnity equal to 13 months’ remuneration, to be paid by February 2027.

Also pursuant to the Pirelli Remuneration Policy, Mr. Tanzi will retain the rights accrued up to the date of termination of his employment in connection with participation in the following incentive plans: (i) the 2023 Annual STI Plan, with regard to the deferred portion and related company matching component; (ii) the 2024 and 2025 Annual STI Plans, with regard to the deferred portion; and (iii) the 2026 Annual STI Plan and the 2024-2026 Long-Term Incentive Plan. These incentive plans remain subject to the customary claw back mechanisms set out in the Remuneration Policy.

To protect the Group’s strategic and operational know-how, Mr. Tanzi will remain bound, for the two years following termination, by a non-compete covenant covering the principal countries in which Pirelli operates, in consideration of a payment equal to 130% of his gross annual salary. The amount due will be paid by the Company to Mr. Tanzi in eight quarterly installments in arrears over the two-year non-compete period.

Following the termination of his employment, given his expertise and knowledge of the Group acquired over the years, Mr. Tanzi will remain engaged by the Company under a two-year consultancy agreement with annual compensation of 350,000 euro, gross of applicable withholding taxes. As well as non-monetary benefits valued at 45,000 euro, gross.

The terms and conditions of the termination of Mr. Tanzi’s employment and the subsequent consultancy agreement were approved today by the Board of Directors following the favorable opinion of the Remuneration Committee, acting also in its capacity as the Related Parties Committee for remuneration matters, based on its assessment of compliance with the criteria set out in the Remuneration Policy approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting.

Mr. Tanzi does not hold any Pirelli shares.

***

The Board of Directors of Pirelli, met today, following the declaration by Marco Tronchetti Provera & C. S.p.A. (“MTP & C. SpA”) concerning the existence of MTP & C. SpA’s control over Pirelli, has instructed the Audit, Risk and Corporate Governance Committee to initiate discussions with the controlling shareholder, also with the support of external experts, in order to define the framework governing the relationships arising from the control situation. This includes analyzing the conditions for the possible adoption of a group governance regulation, taking into account governance best practices followed by listed companies and adhering to principles of transparency, efficiency and market protection, while preserving Pirelli’s legal and managerial autonomy.

Published on: 22 September 2026, 18:05 CET

Three tread patterns: Black Sting, Emperor and Red Claw.

The new range has been developed with direct input from three-time Downhill

World Champion Fabien Barel.

Milan (Italy), 22 September 2026 – Pirelli unveils the new SCORPION™ Gravity range, developed specifically for gravity riding. Covering everything from trail riding to enduro, freeride and downhill racing, this MTB line-up has been completely redesigned, introducing a new product naming system designed to help every rider identify the best tyre set-up to suit their needs. The new range significantly expands the number of combinations available compared with the previous line, allowing every rider to find the ideal solution for their riding style and discipline, thanks to the different casing and compound options available for each model.

The new naming structure follows three straightforward steps: first, choosing the tread pattern, identified by three different scorpion species, each representing a distinct terrain and riding style; second, selecting the casing according to the desired level of support and protection; and finally, choosing the compound (Medium, Soft or Supersoft) to achieve the optimum balance of grip, rolling efficiency and durability.

The new range architecture introduces three tread pattern names – Black Sting, Emperor and Red Claw – each inspired by a different scorpion species. Every name reflects the characteristics and natural habitat of the scorpion it represents, creating a direct association with the riding conditions and riding style for which the tyre has been designed. Every scorpion has its own environment, and every Pirelli SCORPION tyre has its own natural habitat too.

THE TREAD PATTERNS: THREE SCORPIONS, THREE DISTINCT CHARACTERS

Black Sting is inspired by the scorpions that inhabit deserts and arid environments. Fast-rolling and responsive, this all-new tread pattern has been developed for riders looking for speed, precision and responsiveness. Its new design combines low rolling resistance with controlled braking performance, making it particularly suited to hardpack and firm, compact terrain, where stability under high loads and at high speed is essential. Its riding character is solid, direct and responsive.

Emperor is the most versatile tread pattern in the range. It builds on the highly regarded tread design of the previous RACE M but has been completely re-engineered. Like the Emperor scorpion, known for thriving across diverse environments, it is the true all-rounder of the range. Designed to perform across mixed terrain and changing trail conditions, it delivers an outstanding balance of traction, control and rolling efficiency. Its riding character is balanced, predictable and versatile, making it the ideal choice for riders looking for one tyre that performs across a broad range of conditions.

Finally, Red Claw is inspired by tropical scorpions that thrive in wet, humid environments, making it the tyre of choice for riders seeking maximum traction and control. Based on the previous RACE T tread pattern, it has been further optimised for loose-over-hard conditions, dusty terrain and off-camber sections. It delivers a stable, confidence-inspiring ride even when the trail becomes challenging. Its riding character is supportive, controlled and focused on delivering maximum traction, both through corners and under braking.

THE CASINGS: FOUR LEVELS OF PROTECTION

The new platform introduces an evolution of Pirelli's four casing constructions, all now fully eMTB-ready, making them suitable for both conventional and electric mountain bikes, whether Light eMTBs or Full Power models.

• ProWALL is the lightest casing in the range to feature sidewall protection, with weights ranging from 700 to 900 g. It is designed for riders looking for responsiveness and climbing efficiency, while maintaining a smooth, precise ride without compromising reliability and confidence on the descents.
• HardWALL provides full structural support together with additional reinforcement that helps reduce the risk of pinch flats from hard rim strikes. Weighing between 900 and 1,100 g, it has been developed to offer greater stability and impact resistance than ProWALL, while remaining efficient to pedal and responsive even in demanding terrain.
• DualWALL is designed for more aggressive riding, including enduro racing, bike-park riding and freeride, with weights ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 g. Built around a dual-ply construction, it has been engineered to maximise stability, protection and durability in the toughest gravity applications.
• DH+ WALL represents the highest level of protection in the range and is the casing of choice for top-level Downhill racing, with weights ranging from 1,300 to over 1,500 g. It also features a dual-ply construction, but uses even tougher base fabrics than DualWALL, together with additional sidewall and bead reinforcement, engineered to withstand the biggest hits and highest loads of elite DH racing.

THE COMPOUNDS: INSPIRED BY MOTORSPORT

Completing the selection process, Pirelli offers three compounds with a naming system that is instantly recognisable and deeply rooted in its motorsport heritage: Medium, Soft and Supersoft, identified by the brand's iconic colour codes – Yellow, Red and Purple, respectively.

MEDIUM delivers the ideal balance of grip, comfort and durability, making it a strong choice for riders looking for predictable, long-lasting performance.

SOFT has been developed to provide intuitive handling and consistent grip in both dry and wet conditions, without compromising durability. Designed for aggressive riding, it delivers downhill-ready performance while maintaining excellent control and longevity, even under intensive use.

SUPERSOFT is the compound engineered for the most demanding conditions, offering the highest levels of grip together with outstanding vibration damping and impact absorption. It provides highly intuitive and confidence-inspiring feedback, allowing experienced riders to push right to the limit. It delivers maximum grip, both in dry and wet conditions, while also offering the highest level of damping. Although ideally suited to front-wheel use, it is equally effective on the rear for racing applications and on particularly technical and demanding terrain.

A COMPLETE RANGE

The new range has been developed by Pirelli’s technicians, drawing on years of collaboration with three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel, alongside a group of world-class athletes supported by the Milan-based company across multiple gravity disciplines. Their combined expertise has enabled extensive real-world testing across a wide range of terrains, riding styles and conditions.

Fabien Barel commented: “Having worked closely with Pirelli, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply their expertise runs, from Formula 1 to the Motorcycle World Championship, from motocross to high-performance cars. That same racing DNA is now driving innovation in mountain biking – across compound technology, casing construction, and tread design. What’s particularly interesting is seeing how the company is bringing into cycling that wealth of cross-discipline knowledge built up over years of success at the highest levels of motorsport.

What stands out most when riding these new tyres is how consistent the grip feels across the entire tread, no matter the terrain, and how stable the casing stays even when conditions get rough – it’s the kind of confidence you notice within the first few turns.”

The renowned French athlete’s experience and technical expertise in on-trail product development were complemented by valuable inputs from leading athletes including Brendan Fairclough, Jack Moir, Thomas Genon, Juan Diego Salido, Fabio Wibmer and Lachlan Blair.

The new Pirelli SCORPION range, featuring BLACK STING, EMPEROR and RED CLAW, is available now online and through selected cycling retailers. For the full range of sizes, available configurations and technical specifications, please refer to the technical data sheet attached to this press release.

pirellicycling.com / @pirelli_cycling

Published on: 22 September 2026, 15:55 CET

Some of the city streets that make up the circuit have been resurfaced. The work has affected sections of Turns 2, 3 and 4. The new asphalt, limited to specific areas, should not influence tyre behaviour which, as is often the case on street circuits, will initially be affected by rather low grip levels. Track evolution over the course of the weekend is instead expected to be significant, thanks to the progressive build-up of rubber on the surface.

For this event, Pirelli has selected the softest range of compounds: C3 as Hard, C4 as Medium and C5 as Soft. Last year, the selection was one step softer and included the C6 as Soft. However, that compound was not used in the race, as drivers preferred to extend their stints and retain greater strategic flexibility by relying on the C5 and C4. This year, the race weekend schedule has been brought forward by one day, with the first two practice sessions taking place on Thursday, qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday at 15:00 local time.

The asphalt, which is relatively smooth and not very abrasive, should result in very low levels of wear and degradation, making a one-stop race the most likely scenario. The C5 could prove capable of delivering particularly long stints, as seen recently at Monza, a circuit that shares some characteristics with Baku. By contrast, the Hard compound could be overlooked by many teams in the race.

Some graining may occur, particularly during the opening sessions when grip levels are still low, but it is not expected to be a decisive factor in terms of performance.

Despite being a street circuit, Baku places significant loads on the tyres due to the extremely long main straight and the many low-speed acceleration zones. It is a typical stop-and-go layout, where braking stability and the ability to maximise traction on corner exit are crucial. Aerodynamic efficiency is also particularly important and a car with low drag could enjoy a clear advantage.

One of the most interesting tyre-related aspects will be temperature management. The very long full-throttle section linking the final corner to the first promotes tyre cooling, aided by developments in wheel rim design. This phenomenon could increase the risk of lock-ups under heavy braking, particularly on the front axle.

Ambient temperatures could also help keep tyre overheating under control. Despite the generally warm climate, the buildings lining the circuit create numerous shaded areas, limiting any rise in track temperature.

IN 2025

At the start of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, 11 drivers opted for the C5 Medium and nine for the C4 Hard. All drivers completed a one-stop race and the C6 Soft was never used on Sunday. Esteban Ocon, after being forced to pit on the opening lap to replace a damaged front wing, fitted the Medium tyres and completed the entire race distance on that set.

STATISTICS

The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be the tenth to be held on the streets of Baku. Eight editions have been run under the Azerbaijan Grand Prix title and one, in 2016, as the European Grand Prix. Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen are the only drivers to have won more than once in Baku, with two victories each. Red Bull is the most successful team at the venue, with five wins. Charles Leclerc holds the record for the most pole positions, having started from the front of the grid on four occasions.

Rome (Italy), September 21^st, 2026 – The General Headquarters of the Arma dei Carabinieri and Pirelli have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to test Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology on select vehicles of the Rome Radiomobile Unit. The goal is to monitor the "health status" of Rome's road infrastructure to identify potential risk factors and contribute to improving road safety. The initiative begins with the installation of the Pirelli system on five Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles used for territorial control and emergency response services. Through sensors integrated into the tyres, proprietary algorithms, and advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies, Cyber Tyre will enable the collection and analysis of data regarding the state of the road network, contributing to the timely identification of potential hazards.

In this trial launched with the Arma dei Carabinieri, data collected from the tyres will be integrated with data gathered by on-board cameras and analyzed using artificial intelligence algorithms developed by technology partner Univrses. The combination of sensors and computer vision will detect road surface anomalies or signage issues, helping to build a continuously updated map of road conditions. The use of Pirelli technology will be completely automatic and requires no intervention from the operators.

Cyber Tyre has already been used in similar monitoring projects with Movyon (an Autostrade per l'Italia group company) and Region Apulia.

On the occasion of the agreement signing, the Commander General of the Arma dei Carabinieri, Lt. Gen. Salvatore Luongo, highlighted “the constant focus on innovation in all sectors in which we operate,” explaining that: “This is a technological step forward that fully aligns with our vision: turning innovation into a driver of profound cultural renewal, allowing us to carry out our mission in an ever-new and effective way.”

Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Chairman of Pirelli, stated: "We are very pleased with this collaboration with the Arma dei Carabinieri. The Cyber Tyre system is capable of operating seamlessly even on tyres subjected to continuous strain and heavy stress, such as those used by the Radiomobile Unit's vehicles. This partnership, alongside those already established with public entities and automakers, demonstrates the robustness of our technology and its strategic importance in the development of connected and intelligent mobility.”

Pirelli Cyber Tyre Technology

Pirelli Cyber Tyre has transformed the tyre from a mechanical component into an intelligent device. Thanks to a sensor embedded inside the tyre, the system collects information, processes it through Pirelli software and algorithms, and transfers it in real time to onboard systems or dedicated platforms. The technology can be applied both in vehicles, where it interacts with ABS, ESP and traction control systems to enhance the effectiveness of electronic control systems, and in infrastructure monitoring, enabling the creation of road network health maps that help road authorities plan maintenance interventions.

Published on: 21 September 2026, 12:15 CET

Today, at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, Pirelli successfully completed another stage in its development programme for the tyres that will be supplied to the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship, when the company becomes the championship’s exclusive tyre supplier.
A total of 18 racing and test riders, including several rookies, took part in the session. They were Johann Zarco, Diogo Moreira and Takaaki Nakagami for Honda; Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, Jack Miller, Izan Guevara and Augusto Fernández for Yamaha; Marc Márquez, Franco Morbidelli and Fermín Aldeguer for Ducati; Marco Bezzecchi, Raúl Fernández and Lorenzo Savadori for Aprilia; and Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Pol Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Senna Agius for KTM.

Commenting on the test, Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said: “Today’s session at the Red Bull Ring represents another step forward in the development of the Pirelli range for the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship, when we will extend to the premier class the exclusive-supplier role we already successfully fulfil in Moto2™ and Moto3™. Our development programme is wide-ranging and includes both collective tests, such as today’s session, and private development work carried out in close collaboration with the Manufacturers. It will culminate in the first official tests of 2027, scheduled to take place in Valencia in early December with all of next season’s race riders participating.
We are pleased with the outcome of the test in Austria. The riders, including several rookies who made a valuable contribution by bringing different riding approaches and perspectives, were able to evaluate soft, medium and hard compound slick solutions at both the front and rear, using prototype future 850cc machines in some cases and suitably adapted current-generation bikes in others. The feedback collected was positive overall and confirms the strong performance level of the solutions tested, particularly in terms of grip and stability. It has also provided us with valuable information to further refine the development programme and define the characteristics of the range we will make available next season with increasing precision. As always, I would like to thank the Manufacturers, Teams and riders for their constructive cooperation”.

The test was held in stable, sunny weather conditions, with track temperatures ranging from 19 °C to 38 °C. Pirelli supplied soft, medium and hard compound slick tyres for both the front and rear, with teams free to define their individual testing programmes. Pirelli recommended a progressive approach, beginning with the soft solutions before moving onto the other compounds.
The session featured both prototype 850cc machines and a number of current-generation 1000cc bikes adapted to simulate the 2027 technical configuration. Pirelli engineers worked closely with the Manufacturers, Teams and riders throughout the test, gathering data and technical feedback that will contribute to the continued development and refinement of the tyre range for the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship.

Development continues on the rear
 
“For the Italian Round, we will provide riders with a new supersoft development solution, the F0769. This specification uses the same compound as the SCX range tyre but introduces a completely new structure, developed with the aim of increasing motorcycle stability through the corner and on corner exit, while maintaining a high level of performance consistency over the race distance.
Last year, with particularly high temperatures, almost all riders opted for the E0126 supersoft development tyre. Thanks to the results achieved on track, this solution was subsequently promoted to a range tyre and is now available to all motorcyclists. It will therefore be particularly interesting to assess the behaviour of the new F0769 compared with a well-established solution that is highly appreciated by the riders.
The Cremona weekend will also have a special significance for Pirelli. It is in fact the final Italian race of a 23-year history as the sole tyre supplier to the Superbike World Championship. To celebrate this important milestone, we will have a dedicated grandstand for our employees, to whom we wish to express our gratitude for the fundamental contribution they have made to the success of this journey".

Fast races, new records and positive feedback on development tyres

“Feedback on the Red Bull Ring weekend was extremely positive from a sporting and technical perspective. In Moto2™, we gathered particularly significant data on the new soft E1089 development front, on which Izan Guevara took victory. Beyond the race results, which is first and foremost the product of the rider’s performance and the team’s skill, it was important for us to confirm that this solution was at least as competitive as the standard reference tyre, while also showing scope for further improvements. This confirms that the development programme we have undertaken is moving in the right direction.
In Moto3™, Máximo Quiles’ victory on medium SC2 tyres at both ends confirms how competitive and versatile our entire range is. The fact that a technical choice different from the one made by most of the grid proved successful demonstrates that every available solution can be a valid option, based on the rider’s characteristics and the race conditions.
Another significant factor were the lap times recorded on track. The races were considerably faster than in previous editions, with new records set for the all-time lap, race lap and overall race distance. These results reflect the progress made over recent seasons and confirm how teams and riders are able to exploit the potential offered by our tyres, year on year, raising the performance level of both championships even further”.

Tyres perform strongly, even in low temperatures and on a damp track

“The conditions we encountered over the first two days at the Red Bull Ring were markedly different from those we witnessed at the most recent rounds of the championship, and especially from last year’s Austrian Grand Prix, which was held in August. The low air and track temperatures, combined with damp conditions - especially during the morning sessions - posed a significant challenge for teams and riders. In addition, overnight rain from Friday into Saturday limited Moto3™ running in FP2, which was held on wet-weather tyres, and slowed the track evolution.
Despite this, Pirelli’s tyres once again delivered a high-level performance, and contributed to improve the lap records in both classes. In Moto2™, the new record was first set during Friday’s Practice session, and then improved further in qualifying, while in Moto3™ the record was established during today’s qualifying session.
The data gathered already provides a clear indication of the likely tyre choices in tomorrow’s races. In Moto2™, the supersoft SCX rear option remains the most popular, while for the front tyre most riders will probably go for the standard-range soft SC1, with some of them likely to opt for the E1089 development specification. In Moto3™, the soft SC1 rear is expected to be the favourite solution for almost the entire grid, while the choice between the SC1 and SC2 at the front will depend mainly on the riders’ personal preferences and riding style, as is often the case in this category”.

A new test for the soft front tyre at the Red Bull Ring

“The Austrian Grand Prix represents a further opportunity to continue the development work on Moto2™ front tyres, which began in Aragón and continued at Misano. On a track that differs significantly from MotorLand Aragón, with severe braking, strong acceleration and few high-speed corners, we will once again make the E1089 soft front specification available. This will allow us to broaden its evaluation and continue the comparison with the range SC1. The objective is to gather further data and feedback that will be useful for the development of this solution.
At the rear, we are confirming last year’s allocation with the SCX, which also originated as a development tyre. Introduced in 2025 as the E0126 specification and subsequently added to the range, it is now the category benchmark. If weather conditions are favourable, it will be interesting to assess the performance gains compared with last season, both over a flying lap and across race distance. In the event of lower temperatures, riders will also have the range SC0 soft at their disposal, which was introduced at the Red Bull Ring in 2025 as the E0125 development solution.
The Austrian event will also be particularly relevant looking ahead. On the Monday following the race, the Spielberg circuit will host a private test session dedicated to the tyres that will be used by the premier class next season, providing an important opportunity to continue data collection and development work ahead of Pirelli’s debut as the World Championship single tyre supplier”.

The podium finishers all opted for a one-stop strategy. Antonelli and Verstappen made their pit stops during a Virtual Safety Car period. Norris had already passed the pitlane entry when the VSC started and, as a result, lost valuable time compared to the other two. Antonelli and Norris switched from Medium to Hard, while Verstappen replaced the Soft tyres he had started on with Hard.

The one-stop strategy was the most popular choice across the grid. Only George Russell, Carlos Sainz, Oliver Bearman, Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas made two pit stops. Temperatures were similar to those seen on previous days. Track temperature peaked at 52°C, while air temperature reached 32°C.

In the championship battle, Antonelli now leads the standings with 292 points, followed by Russell in second place on 211. The next round of the calendar is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for Saturday 26 September.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“The teams approached today's race differently from what had been simulated on track on Friday. Thanks also to the opportunity provided by the Virtual Safety Car, they favoured a more measured management of pace and degradation, which allowed them to significantly extend stint lengths and made the one-stop strategy the preferred choice for the majority of the field.

“The star of the Grand Prix was the Hard tyre, a compound that had been little explored during free practice and which today demonstrated a very high level of consistency, proving to be the most robust of the three compounds from both a thermal and mechanical perspective. With the C2, we saw several stints exceeding 45 laps, reaching very high levels of wear without any significant performance drop-off. Both the Medium and the Soft also proved to be effective options despite the track temperatures. The C4, in particular, completed competitive stints comparable to those of the Medium in terms of durability.

“As expected, graining appeared mainly on the front-left tyre, on the inner area of the tread, but with limited intensity. The work carried out by the teams on car set-up and tyre management helped to minimise its effects. In a race characterised by few overtaking opportunities, the drivers were able to focus on tyre management, contributing to a very straightforward contest from a strategic perspective.

“Congratulations to Ugo Ugochukwu for securing the Formula 3 championship title today at the end of a highly competitive season. The series continues to represent an important proving ground for young talents from all over the world. The fact that the title was decided only at the final round highlights the exceptionally high level of competitiveness within the championship, which this year delivered spectacular racing and outstanding sporting value.”

FORMULA 2

Dino Beganovic claimed victory in Sunday’s Formula 2 Feature Race. Alex Dunne crossed the line in second place, while Ritomo Miyata completed the podium in third. All three drivers adopted the same strategy, starting on the Soft compound before switching to Hard tyres. The three podium finishers made their mandatory pit stop on lap 18 and completed the remainder of the race on the Hard compound.

FORMULA 3

Ugo Ugochukwu was crowned Formula 3 World Champion. The driver finished second in the final Feature Race of the season in Madrid, a result that proved sufficient to secure the title. Freddie Slater crossed the line in eighth place, allowing Ugochukwu to move ahead of him in the final championship standings. The season finale was won by Tuukka Taponen, while Pedro Clerot finished third.

Strong performance across the range and encouraging feedback on new developments

“The Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera was extremely positive for Pirelli, not only because of the lap records and the improvements in overall race times, but above all because it once again demonstrated that our entire range is both competitive and highly versatile.
In Moto2™, both front options – the standard tyre and the new F0749 development specification – delivered strong performances. Gonzalez won and Salač set the new race lap record on the standard product, while the new specification, which made its race debut, was the most popular choice and secured podium finishes with Veijer and Baltus.
We saw similar results in Moto3™, where every available tyre combination was used and all performed extremely well. This applied both to the medium SC2 used by Quiles at both the front and rear in his race-winning performance, and to the SC1 chosen by Almansa, who led the race until the final corner.
Providing several equally competitive solutions is one of the main objectives of our work. The results achieved at Misano confirm not only the strong performance of our standard compounds, but also the potential of the new specifications under development, which have continued to receive very positive feedback from riders and teams since their first outings”.

Positive debut for the new Moto2™ front solution

“At Misano, we introduced a new front specification for the Moto2™ riders, identified by the code F0749. This solution uses the same compound as the standard soft SC1 but combines it with a completely revised structure developed to increase support and provide greater stability.
The feedback gathered during the opening sessions has been particularly encouraging. The riders, who had the opportunity to make a direct comparison with the standard SC1, reported greater precision and stability under braking and on corner entry, as well as a better feel when releasing the brakes, allowing them to hold their line more effectively all the way to the apex.
We are still at an early stage of the evaluation, but the riders’ initial feedback is always a very important indicator. The fact that several of them are already inclined to confirm this solution for tomorrow’s race is an encouraging sign and is consistent with our expectations. At the rear, meanwhile, the SCX has once again proved to be the clear benchmark, and we expect it to be the unanimous choice for the race.
Finally, in Moto3™, we expect the soft SC1 solution to be the predominant choice on both axles, although some riders may opt for the medium SC2 at the front depending on their set-up needs and riding style.”

Charles Leclerc finished second, 0.113 seconds behind Antonelli, ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who posted a 1:33.811 and narrowly avoided the barriers on the exit of Turn 17. The top three all began the session on a new set of Medium tyres before switching to the Soft compound, on which they set their quickest laps.

Arvid Lindblad, fourth fastest, was also responsible for the session stoppage after crashing into the barriers at Turn 13. George Russell, fifth in FP2, had dominated the opening session with a time of 1:34.077. The first hour of running featured numerous lap times deleted for track limits infringements but no interruptions. Antonelli, who was second in FP1, set the quickest overall Medium-tyre lap of the day during the final hour of running, recording a 1:33.926.

The Medium compound was the most widely used tyre on Friday, accounting for 58% of all laps completed. Oliver Bearman completed the highest mileage on the C3, extracting 23 laps from a single set, while Leclerc holds the benchmark for the C4 after completing 17 laps on one set. The Hard tyre was used only by Gabriel Bortoleto in FP1 and Nico Hülkenberg in FP2, with the German also setting the quickest time on the C2 thanks to a lap of 1:35.746.

Temperatures were high throughout the day, with track temperature peaking at 51°C at the start of the second free practice session, while the air temperature reached 32°C.

SIMONE BERRA – PIRELLI CHIEF ENGINEER

“Today was particularly important as it allowed both us and the teams to gather the first real-world data from a completely new circuit. Unfortunately, the red flag in the middle phase of the second free practice session reduced both the number and length of the long runs, limiting the amount of information available from a race perspective. We observed graining on both the front and rear left tyres, in some cases quite significant, which contributed to accelerating wear on the cars most prone to sliding. Differences between the teams are already becoming apparent in terms of who is able to manage the tyres more effectively over a stint.

“Track conditions were very good from the outset, with grip levels among the highest seen so far this season. The combination of high grip and a very smooth track surface encouraged the onset of graining, although this should ease slightly as the circuit continues to evolve, a trend that was already noticeable throughout the day. The Hard tyre represents the most important option for the race, given degradation levels higher than initially expected and the high temperatures that are forecast to persist over the coming days. The performance gap between the Medium and Soft compounds proved smaller than anticipated, averaging around half a second. Looking ahead to tomorrow’s qualifying session, it will be crucial to maximise the first flying lap in order to avoid the onset of thermal degradation, while carefully managing traffic, which could prove to be a decisive factor around this circuit.”

FORMULA 2

With a time of 1:44.331, Dino Beganovic secured pole position on Friday. Beganovic outpaced Alex Dunne, who was second with a lap of 1:44.561, while third place went to Rafael Camara with a 1:44.853. The Sprint Race is scheduled for Saturday. In Sunday's Feature Race, Beganovic will start from pole position.

FORMULA 3

Taiko Cato and Tuukka Taponen shared the pole positions in the two sessions held today at Madring. The ART Grand Prix driver will start from the front of the grid for Feature Race 1, while the MP Motorsport driver will line up first on the grid for Feature Race 2.

The compounds selected for this event are the C2 as Hard, the C3 as Medium and the C4 as Soft. The start-finish line and Turn 1 are separated by just 200 metres. The first sector is very fast and leads into a second section featuring several medium and low-speed corners, including the banked Turn 12. The final part of the lap also includes a number of 90-degree corners similar to those drivers encounter in Baku.

Pirelli's work to identify the forces that tyres will be subjected to at the Madring began three years ago, when the designers provided the first information on the final layout. Using simulation tools, the trajectories that the cars would follow around the circuit were identified and, consequently, the loads to which the tyres would be exposed were calculated.

Once the circuit had been completed, a group of Pirelli engineers visited the venue to measure the asphalt's macro and micro roughness, refine the simulations and produce a technical briefing document that was shared with the teams to support their preparation for this new event.

From an energy perspective, the Madrid circuit ranks among the five most demanding on the calendar, with lateral forces comparable in intensity to those recorded at Barcelona and Silverstone. The "Monumental" is the corner that generates the highest vertical load of the season, not only because of its banking but also because of its length.

Its configuration will also present a significant challenge in terms of tyre grip. Drivers may adopt different approaches when tackling it, depending on how much they wish to prioritise the opportunity to attack into the following corner.

The asphalt is very smooth and therefore offers a relatively low level of grip. For this reason, it has been treated with high-pressure water jets, as is already done at other circuits, including Singapore, to remove dust and oily residues typically associated with newly laid surfaces.

Another distinctive feature of the circuit is its elevation change. The highest point is located at Turn 7, approximately 700 metres above sea level. The section leading up to it, beginning at Turn 6, features an 8% gradient and an elevation gain of 10 metres. The lowest point of the circuit is at Turn 2, with a height difference of 26 metres compared with Turn 7.

In the absence of testing at the new circuit prior to the race weekend, teams will wait until the first free practice session before defining their programme for the following days and their tyre usage strategy for the Grand Prix. Should degradation of the softer compounds prove to be significant, they may decide to preserve sets of Hard tyres for Sunday's race.

As for temperatures, during the same week last year ambient highs reached 29°C. Given the altitude at which the circuit is located, particularly hot conditions are not expected.

STATISTICS

Formula 1 has previously raced in the Madrid region. Between 1968 and 1981, nine editions of the Spanish Grand Prix were held at the Jarama circuit, located 30 kilometres from the capital. The driver with the most victories at the San Sebastián de los Reyes venue is Mario Andretti (2), while Lotus tops the constructors' list with four wins. Looking instead at the Spanish Grand Prix as a whole, which has been staged 55 times across five different circuits, the most successful drivers are Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, with six victories each, while Ferrari leads the constructors' standings with 12 wins.

PIRELLI PODIUM CAP SPECIAL EDITION

The Madrid podium cap features a completely white crown. This special Podium Cap, created by designer Denis Dekovic for Pirelli Design, features the seven stars of Ursa Major beneath the peak, one of the most recognisable symbols of the Spanish capital. The cap is already available for purchase on Pirelli’s e-commerce platform: https://store.pirelli.com.

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”.

A red flag after the third lap allowed all drivers to replace the tyres on which they had started the race. Antonelli, who had started on the Hard compound, switched to Mediums during the stoppage. Russell did exactly the opposite, but completed the race on the C3 fitted at that time. Antonelli, meanwhile, adopted a different strategy, taking advantage of the Virtual Safety Car on lap 29 to pit and fit a fresh set of Medium tyres. Verstappen also stopped during the neutralisation period, switching from Mediums to Hards. The Dutchman had started on Softs.

The Grand Prix took place in particularly hot conditions, with air temperatures reaching around 34°C and track temperatures exceeding 50°C. All three compounds were used during the race. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez completed the highest number of laps on a single set of Soft tyres, covering 24 laps. Yuki Tsunoda, Lewis Hamilton and Gabriel Bortoleto completed the highest number of laps on a single set of Mediums, reaching 50 laps. Seven drivers covered the same distance on a set of Hard tyres.

Thanks to his victory at Monza, Antonelli extended his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship over second-placed George Russell. The Italian now leads the standings with 267 points, while the Briton is second on 201, 66 points behind.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“We expected a race in which all three compounds would be viable strategic options and that proved to be the case. Teams had the opportunity to adopt different approaches, so much so that the starting grid presented a particularly varied picture. We saw drivers start on each of the available compounds, with different strategies unfolding throughout the race. Those who switched early to the Hard or Medium compound were able to complete most of the race distance comfortably thanks to extremely low degradation levels.

The data collected confirmed what we had observed over the previous days. Even during the most intense battles, with numerous overtakes and a few lock-ups, no significant wear-related issues emerged. We did observe some graining, with differing behaviour from team to team, demonstrating just how much the phenomenon was influenced by individual car characteristics and stint management.

The Virtual Safety Car inevitably limited the opportunity to gather further information on the C5 in long-run conditions, but the sets used by the drivers who completed the longest stints on the Soft compound showed low degradation in line with expectations. The rear axle undoubtedly benefited from Monza’s long straights, which helped contain tyre overheating under traction despite the high track temperatures.

Overall, the performance of the entire range was extremely positive, allowing drivers to push throughout the race while promoting close battles and numerous overtaking opportunities. We witnessed an action-packed race characterised by varied strategies, exactly the type of scenario we aim to help create.

Congratulations to Kimi Antonelli who, after climbing through the field from the penultimate position on the grid, managed to secure victory with an extraordinary recovery drive, completing 26 overtakes and taking advantage of a Virtual Safety Car period to fit a fresh set of Medium tyres that enabled him to catch and pass his team-mate before the chequered flag. His success brought an Italian driver back to the top step of the Monza podium for the first time in sixty years.”

FORMULA 2

Joshua Durksen won Sunday’s Formula 2 race in Italy. At Monza, Durksen managed to stay ahead of team-mate Rafael Camara, who finished second. Noel Leon completed the podium in third place. Durksen started on the Supersoft compound before switching to Softs on lap six. Team-mate Camara pitted two laps later to make the same change. Leon stopped on lap seven, meaning that the strategies of the top three drivers were very similar.

FORMULA 3

The Formula 3 Feature Race at Monza was won by Nicola Lacorte. Tuukka Taponen finished second, with Taito Kato taking third place. Freddie Slater retains the championship lead following this round with 141 points, while Ugo Ugochukwu occupies second place in the standings on 126 points. At the Madrid Grand Prix, the Formula 3 schedule includes the season’s final Sprint Race as well as no fewer than two Feature Races.