2022 Track Day Tyre Test

With 2022 seeing the launch of the track day specific Bridgestone Potenza Race, the German publication Auto Bild have decided to see how the new Bridgestone fairs up against its key rivals in the segment, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, and Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R.

As usual with Auto Bild tests they have been extremely thorough, not just testing the dry track performance of the tyre, but also looking at long run wear, wet grip, and dry and wet braking performance of the track specific rubber.

Semi slick track day tyre test

Auto Bild also included a road tyre and slick tyre as reference in all the tests. As the test was performed at Michelins proving ground in France in the popular 235/35 R19 size, it's fair to assume these would have been the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and a Michelin slick.

One last thing to note, while the test vehicle was a Golf GTI CS, the Pirelli tyre tested was the n0 (Porsche specific) version of the Trofeo R, which means it will likely differ from the aftermarket version of the tyre.

Dry

Naturally in the dry, the slick was the best performing tyre. Pirelli and Bridgestone were the fastest of the semi slicks, with the Pirelli offering a little more consistency across the three timed laps. The Michelin and Goodyear finished on a similar lap time, a little behind the Pirelli and Bridgestone. The testers enjoyed the steering response of the Bridgestone and Pirelli the most.

The long run tests, which were 10 laps at 80% again had the Bridgestone and Pirelli leading, with the Pirelli more consistent of the two tyres. The Michelin was also very consistent, just a little slower, but the Goodyear started to understeer after just four laps.

Auto Bild noted that the Bridgestone and Pirelli were just about finished after the ten laps, whereas the Goodyear and Michelin were still good for another ten laps.

The Trofeo R had the edge in dry braking, stopping the Golf half a meter shorter than the Potenza Race. The Goodyear barely stopped the car shorter than the reference UHP summer tyre.

Wet

The Bridgestone was also fastest in the wet, but the testers noted it was only for experts. The fast lap came from the balance of the tyre being oversteer primary, which makes you fast in a FWD vehicle, but it's very difficult to control.

The Cup 2 Connect was only a faction behind in time, but much easier to drive due to higher aquaplaning resistance, and the Pirelli and Goodyear struggled with high levels of aquaplaning making for a slow lap time. 

The Michelin had a significant lead in wet braking confirming that the Cup 2 is the most suited semi slick tyre to every day driving.

Results

1st: Bridgestone Potenza Race

Bridgestone Potenza Race
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/B/67
  • Weight: 9.8kgs
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd32.3 M31.7 M+0.6 M98.14%
Dry Handling1st126.8 Km/H100%
Wet Braking2nd53.9 M49.2 M+4.7 M91.28%
Wet Handling1st86.8 Km/H100%
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2nd: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R

Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/B/71
  • Weight: 9.6kgs
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st31.7 M100%
Dry Handling1st126.8 Km/H100%
Wet Braking3rd57.2 M49.2 M+8 M86.01%
Wet Handling3rd81.6 Km/H86.8 Km/H-5.2 Km/H94.01%
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3rd: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/C/70
  • Weight: 10.2kgs
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd32.9 M31.7 M+1.2 M96.35%
Dry Handling3rd124.7 Km/H126.8 Km/H-2.1 Km/H98.34%
Wet Braking1st49.2 M100%
Wet Handling2nd84.7 Km/H86.8 Km/H-2.1 Km/H97.58%
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4th: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R

Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/B/72
  • Weight: 9.3kgs
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th35.3 M31.7 M+3.6 M89.8%
Dry Handling4th124.6 Km/H126.8 Km/H-2.2 Km/H98.26%
Wet Braking4th61.7 M49.2 M+12.5 M79.74%
Wet Handling4th80 Km/H86.8 Km/H-6.8 Km/H92.17%
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