IRC Tires

[Sulland]

Is there any stats from IRC on what tyres the drivers have been competing on ?

Since the tyremanufacturers have signed up with IRC, it is a bit strange if these stats were not awailable !

[Sulland]

BFG is getting challenged !
Now we have both Yokohama and Hankook represented, but only with one car each so far.

Cetinkaya is using Yoko and Mikkelsen Hankook. Seemd like for the Sardinia surface the Yokohama tire had a few punctures, and that Hankook still have some development to do to fully match BFG.

But cool that teams dare to run something else than BFG, even if sponsorship has something to do with it....

[Mirek]

But cool that teams dare to run something else than BFG, even if sponsorship has something to do with it....

I wouldn't use word "even". It's very positive aspect of IRC in my opinion.

[Sulland]

Hankook halved their gap to BFG in Barum, Mikkelsen was happy with the feel, lets see how they are in hopefully dry asfalt in Italy.

Lets see if they come with a new gravel tyre for Scotland ?
Maybe Hankook has a plan for WRC in 2011 ??


If Yokohama are to do better they need more than one driver to develop, and they need a quick driver to do the job.

[Gordini]

Yes Yokohama needs more than looks !

[Sulland]

What is wrong with looks ?

Maybe we will get a female F1 driver from the states that looks ok+ in 2011 ?

[Sulland]

6. Tyres
6.1. During the running of the Rally, the use of tyres, their replacement, marking and
checking will be in accordance with the FIA Regional Rally Championship Sporting Regulations.
6.2. A maximum of 6 tyres will be allowed per vehicle between two service parks (or
between a service park and tyres service). These tyres will be marked at service parks exit (or
tyres service).
6.3. It is forbidden to change tyres between service parks unless there are spare tyres on
board. This change has to be done by the driver and/or co-driver.
6.4. Tyres are free between the start of the leg and the first service park and between the
last service park and the arrival of the leg.
6.5. For all competitors, tyres changes may only be carried out at service parks and/or tyres
service.
6.6. Tyre service zone: mechanics (maximum two per racing car) will only be able to change
tyres and fit the extra lights with the authorised material (jacks, chassis stands, wheel nut
spanners, torque wrench, plain water and ground sheets). All other mechanical intervention must
only be done by the crew with the sole on-board material.
One service vehicle <3,5 tonnes per racing car will be allowed in the tyre service zone.
6.7. Studs (Studded tyres regulations)
Only the cylindrical single point studs introduced through the outside of the tread are authorised.
They are in no case to go through the tread. They shall imperatively meet the following sizes:
- maximum base diameter : 6,5 mm, allowance included. Weight: 2 gr.
- stud profusion beyond the surface of the brand-new tyre : maximum 2 mm.
- total stud height including point : 15 mm. Tolerance MAXI 0,5 mm.
6.8. Density on the surface covered
The number of studs must not exceed 12 per any decimetre of the wheel circumference, except a
central band of 47 mm which must remain free.
6.9. The Clerk of the Course reserves the right to set up controls wherever they wish and to
remove some studs from the tyres for checking purposes.
6.10. Each infringement found will entail a 1800 seconds penalty (30 minutes).
6.11. Checks of the studs can be made, at any time, and will consist of the following
operations :
a) Reading of a tread print,
b) Removal of a stud for measuring purposes.
6.12. In case of using snow studded tyres are authorized, for car :
- R1
13
* Rims 6.5’’ x 15’’
* MICHELIN snow tyres 16/61-15 (width 208 mm on 6.5’’ rim, maxi regulation 8’’ that’s
to say 203.2 mm)
* PIRELLI snow tyres 165/80-R15
- R2
* Rims 6’’ x 15’’
* MICHELIN snow tyres 16/61-15 (width 199 mm on 6’’ rim, maxi regulation 8’’ that’s
to say 203.2 mm)
* PIRELLI snow tyres 165/80-R15
- R3
* Rims 7’’ x 17’’
* MICHELIN snow tyres 195/45-17 or 16/61-17 (following regulation 8’’)
* PIRELLI snow tyres 195/45-R17
- GT
* Rims width and diameter free
- N4/S2000
* Rims 8’’x18’’
* MICHELIN snow tyres 18/65-18 et 215/45-18
* PIRELLI snow tyres 235/40-R18

Does this mean that the S2000 cars must use 18" rims and the tyre dimensions mentioned ?
Crazy and very hard to drive on 215 or 235 tires on snow/ice, but that is how it has become. Quite some difference to the narrow snow tires from the past !!

[Mirek]

Yes, it's been same in Monte Carlo in several years. That's no news

[Sulland]

Would be good to have tyrebrand on the timing service, or at least on the entrylist on the IRC page, and this timing: http://irc-results.com/2011/irc/corse/5irc.php

[Mirek]

It would be very difficult to keep it updated. Situation when privateer uses BFG on dry, Pirelli on wet and swaps them is not unique. In IRC there are no tyre nominations so only very few could be considered sure.