TRIPLE RED...
This certainly isa busy year for do it all mid-range tyres, as Pirelli now weigh in with its own latest offering – the Diablo Rosso III
WORDS: BENJAMIN J KUBAS CRONIN
PICS : MILAGRO
I have to admit that I got a little confused with the launch of Pirelli’s newest tyre, yet another contender in the raging midrange battle, the Rosso III. I could have sworn blind I was going to test out the next Rosso Corsa, a slightly sportier version, but it would appear not! However, considering I only recently tested another new tyre in this same category, the Bridgestone S21, it’s no bad thing at all. Good timing, you could say.
It’s a very busy segment, as a growing number of people expect much more from their rubber. It must literally do it all – be the consummate hoop on the road at all times and in all conditions, but still be able to cut enough of a rug if they ever go on track. That’s a lot of boxes to tick; something, somewhere must give, but at the same time the tyres need to be even better than the model they supersede, too. No pressure, then...
Traditionally with tyres like these, it’s ultimate sporting pretensions that take a back seat to achieve such a wide range of goals, and so it still is. To keep the ever-important longevity and wet weather grip levels high, being stickier than a toffee pudding with a helping of custard just isn’t possible. Yet, and much like Bridgestone managed with the S21, by delving into the box of racing tricks and utilising the knowledge gained over years of top-level competition, Pirelli somehow manages to shoe-horn some impressive track pedigree into most of the range, even the more touring based options. Aren’t modern tyres bloody wonderful? We’re spoilt for choice folks, we really are, and just to make your rubbery decisions even harder, the new Rosso III is really rather bloody good.