New Pirelli P Zero asphalt rally tyre takes second consecutive win

Pirelli’s brand new P Zero RA asphalt rally tyre has claimed its second major international win on the trot courtesy of Pepe Lopez on the Rally Islas Canarias: round two of the European Rally Championship.

The win comes just two months after making its winning debut on the World Rally Championship in Corsica.

The Spanish Citroen Rally Team driver fought with the similar C3 R5 of reigning champion Alexey Lukyanuk, also on Pirelli tyres, throughout the opening day before the Russian clipped the inside of a corner on Saturday morning.

Rally Islas Canarias is one of the most demanding asphalt events on the entire European Rally Championship. Two-time world champion Carlos Sainz is a five-time winner of the rally, which is characterised by rapid and twisty roads that resemble a racing circuit in places.

The precise turn-in and stability of the P Zero RA came into its own to see off its rivals, with Lopez mainly using the RA5 hard compound. The Spaniard was quick right from the beginning of the weekend, having won the Qualifying Stage as well, and also claiming ERC1 Junior honours at the end of the rally.

The Pirelli-equipped ERC3 Junior category, for up-and-coming drivers in two-wheel drive cars, was won by Jean-Baptiste Franceschi in a Ford Fiesta R2. Like all the two-wheel drive competitors, the Frenchman used the tried and trusted P Zero RK5 hard compound tyre, underlining the winning versatility of Pirelli’s range.

It wasn’t just on asphalt where Pirelli tyres tasted success, with Skoda Fabia R5 driver Stephane Consani winning the Rally Adriatico in Italy, using gravel Scorpion tyres.

The next round of the European Rally Championship is Rally Liepaja on gravel from May 24-26.