By Alex Kapadia

Pirelli has got its second season as the sole tyres supplier to Formula One underway by presenting its new range of rubber.

The Italian tyre manufacturer has made all four dry-weather tyres softer and reduced the differences between them, in the hope of producing even closer racing.

Pirelli introduced faster-wearing tyres last year, leading to tight races, and now aim to improve overtaking.

Pirelli president Marco Tronchetti Provera said: “These changes will provide more opportunity for passes and help make a better show.”

The new tyres were presented for the 63rd FIA World Championship at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. Tronchetti added: “After the positive experience of last year, the teams asked us to continue providing tyres with the characteristics that contributed to spectacular races in 2011.

“And this is what we have done, optimising the compounds and profiles in order to guarantee even better and more stable performance, combined with the deliberate degradation that characterised the P Zero range from 2011.

“We’re expecting unpredictable races, with a wide range of strategies and a number of pit stops: all factors that both competitors and spectators greatly enjoyed last year.

“The development work on the new compounds took place throughout the 2011 season, thanks to the impressive learning curve and reaction times from our engineers, who are ready to continue those evolutions during the season ahead.”

By Denna Bowman

Bridgestone has extended its agreement to supply tyres to BMW Driving Experience, the business group that provides specialised training programmes to improve individual driver skills and safety.

The tyres will be fitted to the fleet of BMW 1-Series, 3-Series, X5 and X6 vehicles, in addition to the range of high-performance BMW M models.

In its previous form as BMW Driver Training, the programme put more than 50,000 motorists through driving programmes in Europe.

BMW Driving Experience now includes training courses for safety, snow and ice, the race track and professional driving, as well as BMW M Experience events, tours and customized driving experiences.

For Bridgestone, the programme fits perfectly with the company’s long-term strategic focus on safety, exemplified by Bridgestone’s leading position in the development of run flat technology.

Tom Fukuda, Senior Vice President of Bridgestone Europe Sales & Marketing, said: “BMW and Bridgestone share many of the same goals in terms of safety and sustainable motoring. This agreement with BMW Driving Experience adds another dimension to our growing partnership.”

The extension of BMW Driving Experience agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Bridgestone and BMW in the development of high-performance tyres.

Bridgestone has grown to become BMW’s leading supplier of original equipment tyres and today provides Potenza and Turanza run-flat tyres across the whole BMW series range. More recently, eco-friendly Bridgestone Ecopia tyres have been supplied for the 1-Series and MINI Countryman.

By Alex Kapadia

Former Formula One world champion has admitted that getting to grips with the Pirelli tyres will be his biggest challenge as he prepares to re-launch his racing One career.

The new Lotus driver won his title and a host of other wins on Bridgestone tyres. But the Italian tyres manufacturer took over the role last season.

The former McLaren and Ferrari driver feels that acclimatising to Pirelli rubber will prove to be his stiffest test.

He said: “The braking distances, the G-forces, the acceleration, those will come back very quickly. Getting on top of the tyres will be the hardest thing, of course, but I’m not really worried. I don’t think I’ve lost any speed.”

The 2007 world champion was speaking after he took to the wheel of a 2010 spec car at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit where he is getting up to speed following two years away from the grand prix scene.

After trying his hand at rallying and in Nascar Trucks, Raikkonen claimed his has rediscovered his passion for Formula One, according to the report in the Daily Mail.

By Denna Bowman

Punctured tyres are the bane of motorists lives, but now Bridgestone has announced it has developed a prototype that never goes flat.

The groundbreaking airless tyres use a special plastic resin that is weaved into a mesh of spokes that help to support the tread of the tyre and ensure it does not collapse under the weight of the vehicle.

The pattern of the spokes also plays a key part in assuring that it does not collapse, performing the function air pressure does in regular tyres, according to the report in the Daily Mail.

An added bonus is that the tyres resin is made of a plastic that can be repeatedly recycled and is therefore better for the environment.

According to Bridgestone, the ‘non-pneumatic’ tyre is at an early stage of development but it should eventually be available in retail vehicles.

The company unveiled its concept at the 42nd Tokyo motor show, which took place last month.

A Bridgestone spokesman said: “There is no need to periodically refill the tyres with air, meaning they require less maintenance.

“At the same the worry of punctures is eliminated.

“Non-pneumatic tyres have less impact on the environment than today’s conventional tyres.

“Bridgestone developed this technology with the aim of practical implementation.

“The concept tyre could prove to be a viable and more environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional tyres in the future.”

By Denna Bowman

Continental has taken the coveted top spot in evo magazine’s third annual tyres test.

The ContiSportContact3 was lavished with praise in the monthly car mag’s performance tyres test, featured in February’s issue.

The test highlights exceptional performance across areas such as wet and dry handling, aquaplaning and braking.

Seen within the motoring industry as a stamp of approval for the best performance tyre, evo described Continental’s win as “an impressively complete performance”.

Fitted across a wide range of models throughout the market, evo tested the 225/40 R18 from a range of competitor brands, with the majority of testing taking place at the extensive facilities of the MIRA proving ground.

The title praised the Continental’s abilities across areas such as wet handling and braking, taking top spot in both categories. On Continental’s wet handling evo commented: “‘Masterful’, we said of the Continental. There were some great performances on the wet circuit but the Conti still stood out, setting the fastest lap time, recording the highest lateral G, and scoring the highest subjective mark, too-it wasn’t bettered.”

The title went on to heap further praise on the ContiSportContact3 and its breadth of abilities, adding: “Especially impressive was its stability-It barely acknowledged puddles that were registered by its closest rivals, and its traction was superb. ‘Amazingly surefooted and grippy; the limit is your nerve.’”

Jonathan Hayter, product manager at Continental, said; “This additional win for the ContiSportContact3 is an excellent endorsement for our product range. The ultra high performance tyre has proven its worth yet again next to competitor products and has displayed its prowess in a number of disciplines including wet handling and braking.”

By Denna Bowman

A survey by Continental tyres has revealed that 14 per cent of UK commuters car-share.

According to the study carried out for the tyres manufacturer, the environmental impact of motoring is the fourth most important consideration when commuters plan their journey to work.

The biggest concern that prompted people to find an alternative was the volume of traffic and the lack of available parking.

Half of all Brits say they will leave their car at home if fuel costs rise further, however 45 per cent of those using public transport now would switch to their car if petrol prices drop.

Tim Bailey, head of safety at Continental tyres, said: “What is clear is that people still appreciate the freedom and flexibility of driving and that sets a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers.

“Three-quarters of us want more fuel efficient cars and nearly half would consider buying a hybrid motor.

“Car makers have invested considerable time and effort into technologies for bio-diesel engines and electric powered vehicles and as a result these are becoming a more popular consideration.

“Continental is also making significant investment in fuel efficient tyres for cars and is now developing new designs specifically for electric vehicles”.

The study of 2,000 motorists for established the routine and habits of commuters as well as their preferences.

It revealed that commuters will spend 58 working weeks - more than a year of their lives - sitting in traffic as part of their daily journey to work.

The survey also claimed that just over half, 51 per cent, of the respondents identified negative ways in which their commute affected their performance at work citing issues like feeling stressed and lacking energy due to delays.

By Denna Bowman

Commuters will waste more than a year of their lives stuck in traffic jams, according to a new study by a leading tyres manufacturer.

Continental Tyres claims that the 18 million workers who commute by car will spend 58 working weeks sitting in traffic on their daily journey - which adds up to more than 100 million lost working days every year.

The study of 2,000 motorists concluded that the average daily commute covered 28 miles and took 41 minutes, with 12 minutes lost every day in jams and delays.

Tim Bailey, head of safety at Continental Tyres, said: “People are clearly concerned about congestion and rising fuel costs, but using the car remains the preferred option for most.

“With 63 per cent of workers using their car on at least four of five days in the working week, planners and government need to recognise that the morning and evening rush-hour is going to be a feature of life in Britain for some time to come.

“For individuals it means frustration but for the economy as a whole it means lost productivity and increased emissions, so it remains a key issue to tackle.”

By Denna Bowman

Michelin is anticipating a substantial rise in the sales of cold weather tyres this winter, despite the unusually mild weather enjoyed by most parts of the UK during the past three months.

The French tyres manufacturer has estimated that around half a million winter tyres were sold by the end of December 2011, about 50% more than by the same time last winter.

The figures is also about three or four times as many as a few years ago and is regarded as even more impressive given that the tough economic climate has meant motorists have less cash to spare.

Jianni Geras, head of car marketing at Michelin Tyre PLC, said: “This increase in the sales of cold weather tyres marks a real change in motorists’ behaviour, as drivers appear determined to avoid the chaos of losing grip on icy or snow covered winter roads.

“This is also being taken on board by tyre retailers.”

Cold weather tyres, which are effective in all conditions when temperatures are below about 7 degrees Celsius, and not just when it is snowy, are routinely fitted by drivers in many continental countries but British car-owners only started taking a real interest in them after recent severe winters.

The tyres rely for their improved grip in winter conditions on rubber compounds that differ from those used in summer tyres, and tread patterns designed to disperse water or slush effectively and key into snowy surfaces.

By Denna Bowman

Bridgestone has announced it has developed a revolutionary new printing technology which it is planning on bringing to market as soon as possible.

Until now, white rubber has been used on the sidewalls of tyres to manufacture white ribbon and white letter tyres. This process requires the use of large amounts of white rubber to prevent discoloration and to also maintain durability.

This conventional manufacturing process can also add additional weight to the tyre.

Bridgestone’s advanced tyre printing technology consists of the layer to protect from discoloration as the base, inks newly developed for this technology, and the layer to protect from external damages on the surface.

Through this new technology, Bridgestone can realise the more creative showcase of tyres while also considering environmental concerns such as fuel efficiency, without any additional weight to the tyre.

Bridgestone will continue to explore the many opportunities associated with this new tyre printing technology, including the concept of printing original customer designs or photographs on the sidewalls.

Bridgestone plans to quickly bring this tyre printing technology to market.

By Denna Bowman

Yokohama has replaced Avon as the new tyres supplier for FIA Formula 2 Championship.

The news, which was announced at the AUTOSPORT International Show yesterday, means that the partnership between F2 and Avon - which has supplied rubber for the past three years - has come to an end.

Jonathan Palmer, series chief, said: “We’re delighted to confirm our new partnership between Formula 2 and Yokohama.

“Given the impressive results achieved in testing so far we’re confident our new tyres will deliver enhanced performance both in terms of pace and also consistency, which is crucial in maintaining the completely equal environment of F2.

“We’re now looking forward to working with Yokohama on further developments ahead of the season opener at Silverstone in April.”

Series champion Mirko Bortolotti, who has carried out tests on the new tyres, added: “The car felt good and performed really well. The new tyres perfectly suit the car and react well offering increased grip, even at Barcelona which is very hard on tyres.”