As the quality of tyres improve, the gap between the top brands gets smaller and smaller, with just ten points covering the top six tyres.
The Results
Dunlop SportMaxx RT
225/40 R18
The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT is a very well balanced tyre. While not the fastest in any test, the steering precision and agility of the tyre makes it a pleasure to drive. Excellent braking and no overheating on the long dry runs.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3
225/40 R18
The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 is one of the best in the dry, with a high level of grip and good high speed stability. When wet, the steering feel is still excellent but it lacks some of the ultimate grip of the top wet runners.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
225/40 R18
Great aquaplaning results, very good wet braking and a good wet laptime making the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 a wet specialist. Slightly softer than the Dunlop, the Goodyear understeers a little earlier than the Dunlop in the dry.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Continental Sport Contact 5
225/40 R18
The Continental Sport Contact 5 is the strongest tyre in the test for wet performance. Unfortunately, in the dry tests the Sport Contact 5 overheated fairly quickly, with dry laptimes degrading and the tyre wearing quickly.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Nokian zLine
225/40 R18
Second best in the dry, the Nokian Z Line takes abuse well with no signs of overheating. Good grip in the wet, but load changes are fairly snappy and the wet braking and aquaplaning performance was a little behind the top 4.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
225/40 R18
Excellent dry handling with good steering precision and an agile response. Sporty too in the wet, with a good balance. Average aquaplaning properties knock the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 2 down to 6th.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Pirelli P Zero
225/40 R18
While the P Zero pattern is starting to show its age, it's still an excellent wet weather tyre. Quick steering with lots of feedback in the dry leaves the Mercedes a little twitchy at the limit. Average aquaplaning result.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Bridgestone Potenza S001
225/40 R18
Like the Pirelli, the S001 is starting to show its age and scores mid table in all tests.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
225/40 R18
Fastest tyre in the dry with good steering precision but the wet performance keeps the Vorti out of the top group as it drops a few points in aquaplaning and braking.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Falken FK453
225/40 R18
Good in the dry tests, but falls behind in the wet tests with a lack of grip and sharp twitchy handling.
All discipline results (2)
| Test | % |
|---|---|
| Dry | — |
| Wet | — |
Discussion