Pirelli has developed a new bespoke P Zero tyre specifically for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ 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 combined with an extremely precise steering response, while at the same time ensuring safe handling in wet conditions and delivers consistent performance during Safety Car deployments in Formula 1, when precision, reliability and control are paramount.
The dual-compound tread gives the new P Zero high levels of performance in both dry and wet conditions and is the result of co-development with engineers from Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach that have been refined using the virtual simulation models that are a key part of Pirelli’s development process.
The two compounds consisting of the land-to-groove ratio and 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 varying driving conditions and maximising the car’s grip as well as enhancing steering precision. The new tyre also offers increased high-speed stability without compromising performance on wet surfaces.
Pirelli designed the 21-inch P Zero R for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ so that the car can put all the power of its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine (450 kW (612 hp) and 850 Nm of maximum torque) onto the road. The P Zero R provides a high level of grip, precise response and consistency of performance, making it an ideal tyre for track use.
This is the first P Zero R developed specifically for a Mercedes-AMG, and it has undergone extensive testing at the Nürburgring and Nardò. It also confirms the long-standing collaboration between Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG in the development of high-performance tyres.
The tyre specification for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ is identified by the ‘MO1’ marking on the sidewall, which indicates that it has been specifically developed for this particular model.
In fact, the previous Official FIA F1 Safety Car, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, was also equipped with Pirelli P Zero tyres.
This project is part of Pirelli’s role in Formula 1 as the sport’s sole tyre supplier since 2011 which has been extended through to 2028 and is a relationship that dates back to the inaugural race in 1950 and last year Pirelli reached the milestone of competing in 500 Grand Prix.
The knowledge and experience gained on the race track provides Pirelli with a laboratory for innovation whose findings are also reflected in the development of every day road tyres many of us have fitted to our cars.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based motoring and travel journalist and editor, a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers and former saloon car racing driver.
Photograph courtesy of Pirelli
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