WRC
Striking a balance between speed and safety amid all the hazards littering the world’s rally tracks.
Choosing the right rubber is vital to achieve success in rally. Not only to get the victory but also to preserve the physical integrity of pilot and co-pilot. Yes, safety is the primary concern. The car body is transformed in a sort of safety cage, but nobody really wants to test it in a crash. In order to pick the right tyres, first it is essential to know the terrain. In WRC all teams choose among five types of rubber supplied by Michelin.
Dirt: The usual terrain
In WRC the most common type of surface is dirt. The teams will use Michelin Latitude Cross tyres in eight out of this season's 13 rallies. The tracks usually have loose gravel and sharp stones, so the tyres must have a deep tread. There are two types of compound: the hard is for dry and compact surfaces, while the soft is for cooler terrain with rain or mud.
Asphalt: Maximum grip
On tarmac the tyres have almost no tread to maximise grip. In this case there are also two types of compound, hard and soft; depending on the amount of moisture on the surface. The drivers can choose full wet tyres for extreme rain, which have a very deep tread to cope with the standing water. There is a third type of compound, super soft, which is used when the surface temperature is really low.
Asphalt and snow: Just for Monte Carlo
Michelin Sport Alpin tyre has been designed especially for the Monte Carlo Rally. It works wonders on the cold surface typical of the month of January. These winter tyres really come into their own when the roads are cold and muddy due to the snow.
Snow: Now things get complicated
The studded Michelin Pilot Alpin has been specially developed for the Monte Carlo Rally. This tyre has 200 studs of steel, each 15mm long, along the tread. It offers the maximum amount of grip on asphalt completely covered with snow.
Ice and snow: It does not get worse than this
For the Rally of Sweden the teams only use the Michelin X-Ice North, also with studs. This tyre works on surfaces with covered with snow or hard ice. It has been made with a state of the art technology and it is able to endure high speeds and temperatures of -25°C. The tread has a special pattern, which takes care of the snow, while 384 6.5mm long studs on each tyre get maximum grip.
