10/06/2022

Bridgestone Potenza Race takes top spot in Auto Bild Sportscars track day tyre test

The newly released Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyre is already making quite an impression on tyre industry experts, going head-to-head against competitors in this summer’s Auto Bild Sportscars track day tyre test and coming out top of the group, claiming the overall win.

Judges for the test summarised “almost perfect handling characteristics, a performance that is close to the level of a slick tyre, precise steering, the ability to generate high levels of lateral forces, wide limits and endurance” as the reasons for the Potenza Race’s first-place finish.[i]

During the test, the judges were particularly impressed by the performance on offer from the Bridgestone Potenza Race, pointing out that the extremely high levels of grip were almost comparable to full slick levels, with the precise steering characteristics another big positive for Bridgestone’s new semi-slick tyre.

Judges also called out the braking performance of the Bridgestone Potenza Race, pointing out that it provides excellent deceleration, capable of stopping “significantly earlier than the road tyres”. Summing up the test, Auto Bild Sportscars’ Guido Naumann added: “The dry performance of the Potenza Race is phenomenal – grip, steering precision – everything very close to one real racing slick.”

The winning result follows on from the Bridgestone Potenza Race’s earlier success in independent tests carried out by TÜV SÜD, where the new semi-slick tyre delivered the fastest lap time[ii] and the best braking in the dry[iii] – all ahead of its main competitors on the track, as well as outstanding track longevity[iv].

Created for track enthusiasts looking to perform and push their limits, the all-new Potenza Race is the latest addition to Bridgestone’s iconic ultra-high performance Potenza line-up. It is a semi-slick tyre homologated for public roads, but with performance-focused on track days.

Developed and manufactured in Europe, Bridgestone’s first-ever dedicated replacement tyre for track days is available in 13 popular sizes between 17 and 20 inches. Find out a new video about Bridgestone Potenza Race, here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwKDBIwCrU&ab_channel=Bridgestone-Elastrak

[i] AUTO BILD sportscars – issue 07/2022 – summer semi slick tyre test – test vehicle: Golf GTI Clubsport – tested size: 235/35 R 19 – Rank 1 of 4

[ii] Lap time at Nardo circuit (6115 meter), average time over three laps in seconds: Bridgestone (2:35,39), Pirelli (2:37,62), Michelin (2:37,87), Goodyear (2:37,89).*

[iii] Dry braking distance (100 km/h to 0 km/h) at Bridgestone EUPG, distance in metres: Bridgestone (32.3), Michelin (32.8), Pirelli (33.2), Goodyear (34.6).*

[iv] Ranked second for track longevity at Nardo circuit, rating in %: Goodyear (120%), Bridgestone (100%), Pirelli (80%), Michelin (60%).*

*Tests carried out by TÜV SÜD on the request of Bridgestone in  November 2021 and March 2022 at the facilities Bridgestone EUPG (Italy) and Nardo (Italy) for tests with Mercedes AMG A45s, on tyre size 245/35 R19 Potenza Race compared to the performances of main competitors in the same segment: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport R, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. TUV Report No. 713231330.