Tyres

 During every rally there are always discussions about tyres and making the correct tyre choice. Sometimes you will hear me say I lost time due to a wrong tyre choice, or set the best stage time because the tyres were perfect. This year, there is nothing to discuss. Pirelli is the only supplier, and we all have to use the same tyres. End of discussion.

Last year the tyres were fitted with an extra rubber ring with mousse inside. If I had a puncture during the stage, the mousse would expand and allow me to continue without having to stop and change tyre. The mousse made each wheel 6 kg heavier. But FIA have decided that this is not allowed from 1. January 2008. Instead Pirelli has developed the rubber to avoid punctures.

The rim varies between 15’’ on snow to 18’’ on tarmac. The width changes between 150 mm to 250 mm. The diameters on the tyres are constant so it is only the side wall of the tyres that change.

This years Snowtyres are called Sottozero 145/85. The narrow width gives room for more movement in the tyre, and intensifies the tyres contact pressure, all to give more grip. Each tyre is fitted with 400 studs that are 2cm long, and protrude 7mm out of the rubber.
 
On tarmac we use “slicks-”, “intermediate-” or “rain tyres”. On gravel we use a gravel tyre which compared to a tarmac tyre has a more open pattern that - shovels its way forward.