Warwick,
08
June
2022
|
10:41
Europe/Amsterdam

Bridgestone launches track-focused Potenza Race

Summary
  • Engineered for track enthusiasts based on their expectations for a ultra-high performance tyre, the new semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race provides drivers with the best control on track in dry conditions.1,2
  • Bridgestone Potenza Race delivers the fastest lap time1, the best braking in the dry2, and outstanding track longevity3, empowering motorsports lovers to perform and push their limits on the track.
  • Benefitting from the iconic Potenza range heritage and the expertise gained during the development of Potenza Race original equipment tyres for Lamborghini and SEAT Cupra, the Potenza Race is Bridgestone’s first-ever dedicated replacement tyre for track days. 

Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, has today announced the launch of the latest piece to its iconic ultra-high performance Potenza line-up: the Bridgestone Potenza Race. Created for track enthusiasts looking to perform and push their limits, the all-new Potenza Race is a semi-slick tyre homologated for public roads, but with performance focussed on track days.

Empowering motorsports lovers to be in control at speed, the new Bridgestone Potenza Race delivers the fastest lap time[1] and the best braking in the dry[2] – all ahead of main competing tyres – according to tests carried out by independent TÜV SÜD. Bridgestone’s new leading tyre provides the best control on track in dry conditions[1],[2] as well as outstanding longevity[3].

The result of decades of innovation and expertise in motorports

The latest addition to the Potenza range is the result of Bridgestone’s long history and expertise in motorsports and high performance. The now iconic Potenza range was born from Bridgestone’s time in Formula One racing, which saw the company supply tyres to Formula One teams from 1997 to 2010, including to the winner of six consecutive titles, Ferrari.

Benefitting from this heritage and the expertise gained during the development of Potenza Race original equipment tyres for the Lamborghini Huracán STO and Huracán Tecnica supercars, and the CUPRA Leon hot hatchback, the Potenza Race is Bridgestone’s first-ever dedicated replacement tyre for track days.

‘Setting the bar for premium, ultra-high performance tyres’

The Bridgestone Potenza Race’s incredible performance is made possible by innovation in the tyre’s tread pattern, construction and material compound. The tyre has been designed based on the results of extensive market research led by Bridgestone, focusing on what circuit drivers expect from a ultra-high performance tyre.

The Potenza Race’s development was made shorter and more sustainable thanks to the use of Bridgestone’s groundbreaking Virtual Tyre Development technology. This enables a digital version of an in-development tyre to be created and tested, helping Bridgestone to predict how a tyre will perform in different conditions before physically building prototypes. As a result, Bridgestone can test far more variants in a virtual world. In the development phase, this sustainable approach leads to a saving of 33% of raw materials and CO2 emissions, while cutting 10,000 kilometres and 1.7 tonnes of CO2 from outdoor testing.[4]

Developed and manufactured in Europe, Bridgestone’s new Potenza Race is available in 13 popular sizes between 17 and 20 inches, supporting the hot hatchbacks and sportscars most commonly used on tracks.

Speaking on the announcement was Emilio Tiberio, COO & CTO of Bridgestone EMIA: “The Bridgestone Potenza Race is the culmination of years – even decades – of experience in high performance. We created this tyre for motorsports lovers – speaking to them and learning what they demand from their dream track tyre – and we’re thrilled to launch our first-ever semi-slick tyre for the replacement market offering unrivalled performance to all track enthusiasts.”

This project aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment that serves as the axis to drive management while earning the trust of future generations. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment consists of eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter “E” (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) that Bridgestone will commit to creating together with employees, society, partners and customers to realize a sustainable society. This project aligns with “Emotion: Committed to inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility”.


 [1] 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).*

[2] 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).*

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

[4] Based on declared CO2 emissions of CUPRA Leon (development car for 235/35R19) 172g/km.

Please contact us if you would like additional B-Roll footage and/or additional images of the Potenza Race in action. 

Media informationJessica Vandenbruggen, PR and Communications Manager, Bridgestone EMIA: +32 489 10 19 94

About Bridgestone in Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa:

Bridgestone in Europe, Russia, Middle East, India, and Africa (Bridgestone EMIA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions. Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMIA employs more than 20,000 people and conducts business in 40 countries across the region.

Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tyres, tyre technologies and advanced mobility solutions. The company’s vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment – a framework of eight values (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment) – guides strategic priorities, decision making, culture evolution and sustainability actions towards the achievement of this vision.

For more information about Bridgestone in EMIA, please visit press.bridgestone-emia.com. Follow us on FacebookInstagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.