New generation of tyre is more sustainable and effective. Pirelli has been exclusive partner of the ADAC GT Masters since 2015.

The German GT Championship lines up on a new generation of tyre from series partner Pirelli in the 2022 season. With the new P Zero DHF, the Italian company, which is also exclusive supplier to Formula 1 and the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), has developed the first tyre type that can be used not only in GT3 racing, but also in the GT2 and GT4 categories. The new, more sustainable tyre is perfectly suited to the sustainability concept of the ADAC GT Masters, which is being expanded for 2022 and will see the racing series take on a pioneering role in this regard. For example, environmentally-sound fuel will be used for the first time next season, while the successful “Bottle-Free Zone” project, which was launched this year in cooperation with BWT and is aimed at avoiding the use of plastic bottles, will be expanded in 2022.

“We have enhanced our entire know-how and optimised our production processes, in order to develop innovative new tyres that can be used in all GT categories – the P Zero DHF,” said Matteo Braga, Circuit Activity Manager von Pirelli. “As well as new compounds, which offer optimal grip and durability across a larger window of application – particularly in warmer temperatures – we have also developed a new construction, which improves the balance of the car. The result is more performance, more possible applications, and a better feeling for the driver.”

Sustainability played a major role when developing the new family of tyres. The extensive use of virtual simulations made it possible to reduce the production of physical tyre prototypes by roughly 20 percent. Specially developed, renewable materials are also used in the DHF tyres. As the new tyres are to be used in various GT categories, this reduces the logistical effort and produces less waste.

Successful partnership between Pirelli and the ADAC GT Masters

Pirelli has been exclusive tyre partner of the ADAC GT Masters since 2015, and also supplies the ADAC GT4 Germany and ADAC Formula 4 series. The company’s involvement in the German GT Championship goes beyond simply supplying tyres. In the qualifying sessions, the drivers battle it out for the Pirelli Pole Position Award, with special non-cash prizes up for grabs for the most successful qualifiers. The Pirelli Junior competition recognises the best young driver at the end of the season, while the Pirelli Trophy acknowledges the best non-professional driver: Both winners receive a quota of Pirelli tyres for the following year. The new Pirelli P Zero DHF is also used in the global GT series run by the SRO Motorsports Group, with which the ADAC GT Masters works closely. For example, the German GT Championship uses the SRO’s tried-and-tested car classification, which ensures well-balanced and diverse competition.

New Pirelli tyres for ADAC GT4 Germany too

As well as the ADAC GT Masters, the new generation of Pirelli tyres will also be used in ADAC GT4 Germany from 2022. Here, the P Zero DHF replaces the DHB model. This means that many of the materials used in GT3 tyres will also be used in GT4 tyres for the first time. ADAC GT4 Germany has put its faith exclusively in Pirelli tyres since its inaugural season in 2019.