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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Production SCX confirms its outstanding versatility and competitiveness

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

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

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

Throughout qualifying, drivers ran predominantly on the Soft compound, with the exception of George Russell and Liam Lawson, who initially opted for the Medium in Q1. Russell set the fastest time of the opening session on the C4, while Lawson improved later after switching to the C5. All three qualifying sessions took place in very hot conditions, with air temperatures exceeding 35°C and track temperatures reaching 49°C. Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow’s race.

Russell was quickest in FP3 with a lap of 1:22.219. Lewis Hamilton finished second, ahead of Max Verstappen. Only the Medium and Soft compounds were used during the session. Alex Albon completed the highest number of laps on the same set of Soft tyres with 19 laps, while Pierre Gasly logged the most laps on the same set of Mediums with 17.

The Pirelli Pole Position Award was presented by Federica Brignone. The Italian alpine skier, Olympic champion in the super-G and giant slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, also boasts three additional Olympic medals, five World Championship medals, two overall World Cup titles and five discipline World Cups.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“Our simulations indicate that a one-stop strategy will be the most competitive option at Monza, although several variations are very close in terms of overall race time. The choice of starting compound will likely depend on the characteristics of each car, as well as on the strategic approach teams wish to adopt according to their grid position.

The Medium appears to offer the greatest flexibility, allowing teams to react to any neutralisations in either the early stages or the latter part of the race. On paper, the quickest strategy involves starting on the C4 and making a pit stop between laps 24 and 30 before running to the flag on the Hard.

An alternative, estimated to be around two seconds slower over the full race distance, is to switch from the Medium to the Soft between laps 30 and 36. The C5 has proved fully raceable and could represent an interesting option for those looking to exploit its higher level of initial grip to gain positions along the long straight leading into Turn 1. In this scenario, the optimal pit stop window would be between laps 19 and 25, with the Hard compound taken through to the chequered flag.

The data gathered today confirms limited degradation across all three compounds, with no signs of critical wear or significant performance drop-off. We expect the graining observed yesterday to remain limited and not to have a significant impact on stint management.

The characteristics of the circuit, with its long straights and relatively low traction demands, also help control rear tyre temperatures and therefore promote optimal thermal management throughout the Grand Prix. Teams will therefore have several strategic options available, with all three compounds fully usable and capable of offering different opportunities depending on how the race unfolds.”

FORMULA 2

Joshua Dürksen claimed victory in the Monza Sprint Race. The driver managed to keep John Bennett behind him, with Bennett finishing second at the chequered flag, while Oliver Goethe completed the podium in third place. Rafael Câmara will start tomorrow’s Feature Race from pole position.

FORMULA 3

Saturday’s Formula 3 Sprint Race was won by Taito Kato. Behind him, Freddie Slater secured second place, while Hiyu Yamakoshi completed the podium in third. Thanks to his runner-up finish in the Sprint Race, Slater was able to extend his championship lead over his closest rival, Ugo Ugochukwu.

This afternoon, ambient temperatures reached 35°C, while track temperatures peaked at 47.5°C. In FP2, all three compounds were used, although the Medium and Soft were the most popular choices. Antonelli completed the highest number of laps on the Hard (23), Verstappen completed the most on the Medium (22), while Carlos Sainz covered the greatest distance on the Soft, with 18 laps.

Charles Leclerc was the fastest driver in the opening free practice session. The Monegasque posted a lap of 1:23.008, finishing more than a tenth of a second clear of Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton in second place. George Russell was third with a time of 1:23.312.

The Ferrari drivers each used one set of Hards and one set of Mediums during FP1. Russell opted instead for a Medium and a Soft. The Mercedes driver set his best time on the Soft, while both Ferrari drivers recorded their quickest laps on the Medium.

Overall, 14 drivers used the Hard compound during the first free practice session. The Medium and Soft were also widely used, confirming extensive running across all three compounds available this weekend.

SIMONE BERRA – PIRELLI CHIEF ENGINEER

“The first two free practice sessions showed a balanced performance profile across the compounds. Despite particularly high track temperatures, degradation remained limited and manageable on all three tyres in the range, which appear well suited to the characteristics of this circuit.

The most demanding traction zones are effectively confined to the exits of the first and second chicanes, while the long straights help cool the rear axle efficiently. We observed a small amount of graining, particularly on the front-left tyre, but only to a limited extent and without any significant impact on performance.

One particularly interesting point to emerge today concerns the Soft compound, which demonstrated good consistency during the long runs and appears to be a viable option for the race as well. Tomorrow, however, it may be difficult to complete more than one flying lap on the C5, due to the performance loss associated with thermal degradation.

The performance gaps were in line with our simulations: around half a second between the C4 and C5 and approximately two tenths between the C3 and C4. The differences between the various options are relatively small because of the limited longitudinal and lateral energy generated by the circuit.

Several strategic scenarios therefore remain open for Sunday's race, particularly as any neutralisations could create interesting opportunities when selecting the compound for the final stint.”

FORMULA 2

Rafael Camara will start Sunday's Formula 2 feature race from pole position. The Brazilian was the fastest driver in qualifying, finishing ahead of team-mate Joshua Dürksen. Alex Dunne set the third-fastest time in Friday's session.

FORMULA 3

Freddie Slater secured pole position on Friday at Monza. The Briton finished ahead of team-mate Matteo De Paolo, while Nicola Lacorte claimed the third-fastest time. Qualifying was held with the field split into Groups A and B.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trophy’s photo: vedovamazzei with FRAGILE (2026), FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 trophy realized by artistic duo vedovamazzei (Simeone Crispino and Stella Scala) and commissioned by Pirelli with Pirelli HangarBicocca
Courtesy the artists
Photo A. Osio

Pirelli’s connection with the Temple of Speed, Europe’s most historic racing circuit, extends far beyond the proximity between the Italian company’s headquarters and the autodrome. It is also rooted in the many victories achieved on Pirelli tyres at Monza. Among them is Pietro Bordino’s win in a Fiat 804 at the Grand Prix that inaugurated the newly built circuit on 10 September 1922.

Pirelli will be the Title Sponsor of the race weekend and will celebrate its relationship with the Italian Grand Prix through the trophy, created by an Italian artistic duo, which will be lifted by the top three finishers in Sunday’s race, as well as through a special edition of the podium caps.

THE TROPHY

Photogallery at this link

The three drivers who will step onto the podium on Sunday, together with a representative of the winning team, will celebrate the outcome of the race by lifting FRAGILE, a trophy conceived as a work of art by the artist duo vedovamazzei.

The Italian Grand Prix trophy is commissioned each year from Italian artists as part of a multy-year project, now in its sixth edition, initiated by Pirelli, the race’s title sponsor, in collaboration with the Pirelli HangarBicocca Museum of Contemporary Art.

For the 2026 edition, the commission was awarded to vedovamazzei, the duo formed by Stella Scala and Simeone Crispino, whose artistic practice combines irony with an ability to capture the contradictions and complexities of reality. Their works often reinterpret everyday objects, highlighting the world’s paradoxical aspects.

FRAGILE is precisely a layered composition of household objects - cups and small bowls - that take on an unsteady-looking vertical form when stacked on top of each other.

The work required a traditional process of transposing drawings and sketches onto paper, followed by a highly technological 3D printing process using nylon powder. This material was then painted, galvanized, and polished until it became reflective.

The artists explain: “The idea for the trophy stems from the ancient tradition of passing a celebratory cup from hand to hand. It served as a large drinking vessel, creating a sense of shared celebration and festivity.”

“We wanted the trophy to be the symbol of a victory that an individual holds in their hands, yet it reflects the spirit of a community. In the case of Formula 1, this community includes the team, the fans, and the entire world revolving around the drivers. The composition also evokes an everyday dimension with its repeated gestures, suggesting a victory earned lap after lap that never corresponds to an eternal, unchanging status. It is unstable, short-lived, and must be reclaimed. In fact, it is fragile.”

The commission awarded to vedovamazzei follows those assigned to artists Alice Ronchi (2021), Patrick Tuttofuoco (2022), Ruth Beraha (2023), Andrea Sala (2024) and Nico Vascellari (2025).

PIRELLI PODIUM CAP SPECIAL EDITION

For the Monza weekend, Pirelli Design has created a special edition podium cap that will be worn by the drivers finishing on the podium at the Temple of Speed. Designed by Denis Dekovic, the cap features the iconic Azzurro colour of Italian sport and is embellished with gold embroidery and the unmistakable laurel wreaths associated with the podium.

The contrasting black visor is embroidered with the word “Monza”. On the side, an “Italia 2026” embroidery with four gold stars is accompanied by the dates of the race weekend. The special edition is already available to purchase on the e-commerce platform https://store.pirelli.com.

THE CIRCUIT

At Monza, the three softest compounds in the range will be in use: the C3 as Hard, the C4 as Medium and the C5 as Soft. On paper, all three options could play a role in shaping Sunday’s race strategies, provided temperatures are not excessively high.

The 5.793 km circuit, featuring 11 corners, is one of the fastest on the Formula 1 calendar, thanks in part to its long straights which, this year, will present an additional challenge for energy management with the new power units. Team simulations are in fact predicting lap times around two seconds quicker than last year.

From a tyre perspective, the front axle should be subjected to lower braking loads, as braking zones are likely to be approached at reduced speeds. By contrast, the rear axle will face greater demands during traction phases, when the full power of the power unit is deployed.

Braking stability and traction on corner exit, particularly at the First Chicane and Ascari, will be the two key factors in gaining an advantage over rivals on a track that is typically run with a low-downforce aerodynamic set-up, prioritising top speed.

The circuit generally offers a good level of grip from the opening sessions. No significant modifications have been made since the complete resurfacing carried out in 2024, when a relatively smooth asphalt mixture was laid. This year, the kerbs at Turns 1, 4 and 8 have been rebuilt, while at Turn 5 a gravel area has been replaced with an asphalt run-off section.

Drivers will likely have to manage rear axle overheating during the race, but degradation should not be severe enough to compromise tyre performance. As a result, a one-stop strategy appears the most likely option for Sunday, despite the fact that overtaking opportunities are far from scarce at Monza.

IN 2025

For the opening stint, most drivers opted for the Medium compound. Five chose the Hard, while only one started on the Soft. The red-banded tyre reappeared towards the end of the race, with several drivers fitting it for the final laps following their sole pit stop. That was the case for Norris and Piastri, who finished second and third after starting on the Medium. Verstappen, last year’s winner, completed the race using the Medium-Hard combination.

STATISTICS

This is the 77th edition of the Italian Grand Prix, one of the longest-running races on the Formula 1 calendar. It has been held at Monza on every occasion except one, when it took place at Imola. The drivers with the most victories are Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, with five wins apiece, while Ferrari is the most successful team with 20 victories. Hamilton also holds the records for both pole positions at Monza (seven) and fastest laps (seven). Among the current drivers, Pierre Gasly claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory at the Temple of Speed, winning the 2020 Italian Grand Prix at the wheel of an AlphaTauri and delivering the team's first success under its new name.

Trophy’s photo: vedovamazzei with FRAGILE (2026), FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 trophy realized by artistic duo vedovamazzei (Simeone Crispino and Stella Scala) and commissioned by Pirelli with Pirelli HangarBicocca
Courtesy the artists
Photo A. Osio

Milan, 1 September 2026 – Pirelli has developed two dedicated tyre fitments for the new Bentley Supersports, the coupé engineered to deliver the ultimate driving experience. They are the P Zero Trofeo RS, designed to enhance the car's sporting character, particularly on track, and the P Zero, developed for everyday driving. To mark the centenary of the "Super Sports" name, first introduced in 1925, the Crewe-based manufacturer has once again chosen Pirelli as its partner to harness the capabilities of a car that is radically different from any previous Continental GT: rear-wheel drive for the first time in the model's history (excluding the Continental GT3 race car), kerb weight below two tonnes, and 666 hp, 800 Nm twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain.

Bespoke development for a truly unique Bentley

Pirelli's collaboration with Bentley on the Supersports began with the most demanding technical brief ever set for a road-going Continental GT. The switch to rear-wheel drive, the introduction of an electronic limited-slip differential combined with brake-based torque vectoring, active rear-wheel steering, and a chassis featuring a rear track widened by 16 mm required tyres capable of managing completely different load transfers and drive force distribution compared with the all-wheel-drive Continental GT Speed.

This is further complemented by the car's aerodynamic package, which generates more than 300 kg of additional downforce compared with the Continental GT Speed through a larger front splitter, dive planes, side skirts, rear wheel arch vents and a rear diffuser. These elements significantly alter the vertical load acting on the tyres as speed increases. Pirelli engineers therefore fine-tuned the compounds, construction and tread pattern through an extensive development program—starting with virtual simulations before progressing to road and track testing—in close collaboration with Bentley's engineering team. The objective was to deliver consistent performance across all driving modes specified by the manufacturer, from Touring to Sport.

The result is two dedicated homologations, both identified by the "B" marking reserved by Pirelli for tyres developed specifically for Bentley.

P Zero: the original equipment fitment

The 22-inch Pirelli P Zero is fitted to the Supersports as its original equipment tyre, designed to complement the car's everyday usability and grand touring capabilities without compromising the sporting character that defines it. Its construction and compound have been optimized to combine ride comfort, low noise levels and steering precision, while delivering grip levels commensurate with the car's power and weight. Although significantly lighter than the Continental GT, the Supersports places considerable demands on its tyres due to its exceptional performance.

The P Zero has been specifically tuned to work in harmony with the Supersports' suspension and dual-chamber dampers, ensuring precise responses and outstanding stability.

P Zero Trofeo RS: the choice for track driving

For customers seeking the ultimate performance, Pirelli has developed the first bespoke P Zero Trofeo RS ever for a Bentley. This 22-inch semi-slick tyre is road legal yet engineered with a clear track-focused philosophy, representing another milestone in the partnership between the two brands.

Drawing directly on Pirelli's motorsport expertise, the compound, carcass construction and internal reinforcements have been specifically designed to withstand the significant aerodynamic loads generated by the Supersports, allowing the car to express its full dynamic potential. Equipped with this fitment, the Supersports achieves peak lateral acceleration of 1.3 g and improves cornering speeds by approximately 30% compared with the Continental GT Speed.

One anecdote from the development program illustrates just how impressive the performance proved to be. During the first track test on P Zero Trofeo RS tyres, the level of lateral grip exceeded the parameters anticipated by the vehicle's electronic control systems, triggering the seat belt pretensioners.

The P Zero Trofeo RS therefore represents the intersection of Pirelli's road tyre engineering and its motorsport know-how, offered as an option for customers wishing to explore the Supersports' full capabilities with complete confidence and control.

Perfect Fit: the hallmark of Pirelli's bespoke development

Both tyre fitments have been developed through Pirelli's "Perfect Fit" programme, the co-development process through which the company designs bespoke tyres for individual vehicle models in close collaboration with manufacturers' engineering teams. Combining advanced virtual simulations with joint testing programmes, Perfect Fit enables every aspect of the tyre—from compound and construction to tread pattern and carcass stiffness—to be optimized for the specific characteristics of each vehicle, ensuring seamless integration between tyre and vehicle.

This latest development builds on the long-standing partnership between Pirelli and Bentley, over the many years of  the evolution of the Continental GT range which now enters a new chapter with the Supersports, the purest and most driver-focused Bentley ever produced.

The relationship dates back to the early 1980s, when the first dedicated tyres were developed for the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo R and RT. Pirelli has since engineered bespoke solutions for a wide range of Bentley models, from the Arnage and Continental GT to the Bentayga, for which specific 23-inch P Zero tyres were developed. Over the years, Pirelli has also supplied tyres for several Bentley racing programs, including the Continental GT3, contributing to the cars' success across multiple championships.

The partnership with the Crewe marque has also helped secure some of Bentley's most significant achievements, including the production SUV record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the Bentley Bentayga in 2018, followed by the outright production car record with the Bentley Continental GT in 2019. Most recently, in 2024, the Continental GT Speed set a speed record inside a subsea tunnel in Norway.

Published on: 1 September 2026, 11:00 CET

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

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

A positive debut for the new Moto2™ front tyre

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

For the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be hosted at Sepang from 2 to 4 October, the intermediate range comprising C2, C3 and C4 will instead be used. The Malaysian circuit places medium levels of stress on the tyres relative to the scale encompassing all tracks on the championship calendar.

The asphalt in Kuala Lumpur is particularly abrasive and has not been resurfaced since the last Formula 1 race held there in 2017. The decision not to use the hardest compounds is aimed at reducing the lap time differential between a one-stop and a two-stop race, thereby encouraging a wider range of potential race strategies.

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

Kimi Antonelli finished second, while his Mercedes team-mate George Russell completed the podium. The top ten finishers all followed different strategies, underlining the remarkable tactical variety on offer throughout the race.

In the opening stages, a red flag prompted several drivers to switch from their starting compound, with most having begun on Mediums and Softs. Norris, who started on Mediums, changed to Softs during the interruption before making two further pit stops, taking a set of Hards on each occasion.

Antonelli and Russell also started on Mediums, which they retained during the red flag period. Antonelli then made two pit stops for fresh sets of Hards before switching to a used set of Softs during a Virtual Safety Car phase. Russell followed a similar strategy, although he did not make his stop under the neutralisation.

Both Ferrari drivers chose to restart on Soft tyres, but the strategies of Lewis Hamilton (fourth) and Charles Leclerc (fifth) subsequently diverged. The Monegasque used all three available compounds, completing the race with stints on Medium, Hard and finally Soft. His team-mate, meanwhile, opted for a more straightforward approach, avoiding a final pit stop and contesting his third and fourth stints on Hard and Soft tyres respectively.

Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, secured two points by fitting a new set of Softs during the red flag before making just one further stop to switch to Hards. Thanks to this strategy, which allowed him to save a pit stop, he was able to finish the race in ninth place.

All three compounds were used during the race. Alonso completed the most laps on Softs, with a 32-lap stint. Arvid Lindblad covered 31 laps on Mediums, while Carlos Sainz completed 35 laps on Hards.

In the championship battle, Antonelli strengthened his lead, moving onto 242 points. Russell remains second on 183, while Lewis Hamilton is third, also on 183 points.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“The last race at Zandvoort proved full of twists and turns and highly unpredictable, particularly from a strategic perspective, with all three available compounds coming into play. The picture painted by the previous sessions ultimately proved inaccurate for the teams, forcing them to revise their approach to the Grand Prix in light of new variables and pushing them towards either two or three-stop strategies.

The weather played a significant role, with an unexpected rain shower before the start preventing the track from evolving as anticipated and altering the temperature profile, which was noticeably higher than during Saturday’s Sprint.

Tyre degradation, which had appeared relatively limited until the previous day, turned out to be significant, largely due to the increased wear caused by track conditions that had deteriorated and become particularly slippery following the rain.

After the stint following the restart, teams immediately realised that the conditions would not allow them to remain competitive with a one-stop strategy. Influenced by events on track as well, they therefore sought to identify the most effective tyre combinations for their drivers.

Following the first red flag, almost ten different strategies emerged, with notable variations even among the leading teams. For example, Lawson did not use the Hard compound, while McLaren opted not to fit the Medium again after the initial start. By contrast, other drivers, such as Leclerc, made use of all three available compounds.

As a result, we witnessed a highly engaging Grand Prix from a strategic standpoint, in which the teams were able to exploit the characteristics of each compound, all of which proved effective under specific conditions, identifying those best suited to maximising the strengths of their respective cars.

Particularly illustrative in this regard was the use of the Soft tyre by Antonelli and the two Ferrari drivers in the closing stages of the race, enabling them to make up ground on their direct rivals and, in the Italian’s case, even gain a position on his team-mate.”

At Zandvoort, Alisha Palmowski claimed her fourth victory of the 2026 F1 Academy season with a lights-to-flag win. The British Campos Racing driver, backed by Red Bull Racing, resisted constant pressure from Alba Larsen to remain in the lead all the way to the chequered flag. Larsen finished second, while Nina Gademan completed the podium, giving MP Motorsport two cars in the top three. After a less than perfect start, Palmowski steadily increased her advantage and won by almost three seconds from her Danish rival. Thanks to this success, the Briton further consolidated her championship lead, extending her advantage to 48 points ahead of the next round in Austin.

A few drops of rain in the closing minutes prompted teams to bring forward their runs. Track temperature hovered around 27°C, while the air temperature was 19°C. Similar conditions are expected for tomorrow’s Grand Prix.

George Russell won the Sprint Race. The Briton kept Charles Leclerc behind him to take victory, with the Ferrari driver finishing second. Leclerc opted for a different strategy in the short race, running the Soft compound. Russell secured the win on the Medium tyre, which was also used by third-placed Lando Norris.

Only Oliver Bearman, like Leclerc, chose the Soft for the Sprint, while all the other drivers raced on the C3. As in qualifying, rain began to fall in the closing stages of today’s race, shortly before the chequered flag, but without affecting the final outcome.

The Pirelli Pole Position Award was presented to Lando Norris by Maro Engel. The German driver currently leads the DTM championship, for which Pirelli has been the exclusive tyre supplier since 2023.

DARIO MARRAFUSCHI – PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR

“Ferrari’s and Haas’s decision to use the Soft tyre in today’s Sprint demonstrated that the red-marked compound could be an option for Sunday, alongside the Hard and Medium, which are likely to be the most popular choices. All three compounds are therefore in play for the race.

The C4 delivered the level of performance Leclerc needed to close in on Norris thanks to its superior grip, without any drop-off in pace over a longer stint. The relatively low temperatures also helped keep the compound within its optimal operating window. The Sprint further demonstrated how difficult overtaking can be at Zandvoort, an important factor when assessing how costly a pit stop may prove to be.

The quickest strategy is therefore a one-stop, starting on the Medium and running until laps 27-33 before switching to the Hard for the remainder of the race. An alternative, around one second slower, involves starting on the Soft, using it until the window between laps 26 and 32, and then finishing the race on the Hard.

In clean air, two-stop strategies also look competitive on paper, but it is necessary to take into account, as noted earlier, the limited overtaking opportunities available around the circuit.

A third stint could be considered in the event of a Virtual Safety Car or to take advantage of an undercut during the race, provided traffic conditions allow. The degradation levels recorded today, thermal in nature, were limited and, given that drivers are more likely to manage their tyres during the race, should not be decisive in determining strategy, at least for the two harder compounds.”

The reverse-grid F1 Academy race was won by Payton Westcott. The Mercedes driver held off Alba Larsen, who finished second, while Nina Gademan completed the podium in her home event. The Feature Race will take place on Sunday, with Alisha Palmowski starting from pole position.