Pirelli will continue to be sole tyre supplier to the Intelligent Money British GT Championship for the fifth consecutive year in 2020, having first equipped this thrilling series during the 2016 season.
For 2020, the GT3 competitors will use Pirelli’s new P Zero DHE tyre, which has been painstakingly developed to take over from the DHD2 that was campaigned so successfully in Britain right up to the end of last year.
The P Zero DHE is an evolution of the previous DHD2, with modifications designed to make it even more versatile for the wide variety of GT3 cars and drivers who use it. The new design provides an even more consistent and reliable tyre, capable of delivering optimal performance throughout an ample range of track and weather conditions, in the hands of both professional and gentlemen drivers.
There’s another new tyre for the slightly less powerful GT4 class as well, one of the fastest-growing categories in motorsport. The new P Zero DHB replaces the DH, once more with the aim of improving all aspects of tyre performance, as GT4 machinery gets faster and more sophisticated.
GT racing is an important research and development tool for Pirelli, as it comes closest to reflecting the nature of the prestigious road-going supercars that Pirelli equips. As a result, the lessons learned on the track can be applied directly to the road: the essential reason why Pirelli is involved in more than 350 car championships all over the world.
The British GT competitors, including reigning champions Jonny Adam, Graham Davidson and Tom Canning, got the chance to sample Pirelli’s latest rubber during the British GT Championship media day at Snetterton today, designed to help drivers familiarise themselves with their 2020 cars, a number of which are new for this year. The rapid Norfolk track provides a strong all-round test for every aspect of car and tyre performance, making it the perfect place to prepare for the exciting season ahead.
Not only will Pirelli provide the tyres, but also a squad of dedicated engineers and technicians to support the teams throughout the seven race weekends across the country this year, comprising nine rounds. The first round takes place at Oulton Park in Cheshire from April 11-13.
The British GT grid showcases a strong selection of the world’s premium and prestige manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bentley, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes and Porsche, featuring drivers who have starred at the world’s top endurance races including Spa and Le Mans.
Pirelli UK motorsport manager Jonathan Wells commented: “With new cars and new tyres, our fifth season equipping the prestigious British GT Championship is set to be a thrilling one. We’re confident that the GT3 drivers will find what they’re looking for with the new P Zero DHE tyres, which build on the performance and durability shown by the previous generation DHD2 rubber. The P Zero DHB in GT4 is a particularly exciting development as well, representing a step forward in line with the way that GT4 cars themselves have rapidly evolved. With a strong field of teams and drivers, we’re all looking forward to some breath-taking action on Britain’s most famous circuits this year in both classes.”
British GT Championship manager Lauren Granville added: “Pirelli’s global partnership with SRO Motorsports Group has played an important role in shaping British GT’s recent success, and we are delighted to welcome them back for a fifth season in 2020 when the new P Zero DHE tyre equips our largest GT3 entry since 2014. Indeed, using the same tyres in Europe and beyond is a really important aspect of customer racing and one that helps make British GT viable for so many teams and drivers. Pirelli’s latest developments are certain to continue that success.”
