Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R vs. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS vs. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R: Ultimate Track Tire Showdown

Conclusions:​

• For Best Lap Time (Dry Conditions):
  • Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is the top choice followed by the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS.
• For Control & Fun:
  • The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R.
• Wet Conditions:
  • Pirelli is the better choice however be aware of the rear-end aquaplaning.
• OE vs. Aftermarket:
  • OE tires (Michelin and Goodyear) are designed for predictability and safe handling, making them ideal for track-day enthusiasts who value stability. Aftermarket tires (Pirelli) provide higher performance in the wet, and provide consistent dry lap performance.

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Key Themes and Findings:​

Overview:​

This review compares three high-performance track tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS, and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. Tested at Michelin's France facility using a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the evaluation focused on wet handling, wet braking, dry handling, and dry braking, with an emphasis on dry track performance.

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Key Themes and Findings:​

OE vs. Aftermarket:​

• Michelin and Goodyear are OE (Original Equipment) homologated tires, co-developed with Porsche for the 911 GT3 RS.
  • Key Insight: OE tires are generally more predictable and offer safer handling, especially for less experienced drivers.
• Pirelli, an aftermarket tire, offers a more direct driving feel with quicker turn-in, but at the expense of increased rear-end instability, making it more challenging to manage in certain conditions.
  • Key Insight: Aftermarket tires like the Pirelli are more performance-oriented but can be less forgiving.

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Performance Breakdown:​

Wet Performance:​

• Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS:
  • Displays significant front-end aquaplaning, leading to understeer. It provides moderate low-speed grip.
  • Quote: "The car is very understeery as the front end aquaplanes first by quite a long way."
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R:
  • Similar in balance to Goodyear but slightly better aquaplaning resistance and more mechanical grip at low speeds.
  • Quote: "It didn’t aquaplane at the front quite as early."
• Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R:
  • Exhibits superior wet handling, better aquaplaning resistance, and increased mechanical grip. However, it can cause rear-end aquaplaning, leading to oversteer.
  • Wet Performance Winner: The Pirelli stands out for its wet handling capabilities and is significantly faster than both Michelin and Goodyear in wet conditions.
  • Quote: "The extra mechanical grip this tire does have means it's almost seven seconds quicker than the Michelin."

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Dry Performance:​

• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R:
  • Outstanding grip, especially in braking (1.4g). It is well-balanced, with a slight first-lap advantage due to its aggressive performance characteristics.
  • Quote: "The grip is outstanding... the most insane braking you've ever come across on a tire."
• Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS:
  • Matches Michelin’s first-lap pace, but its performance drops off quicker over subsequent laps. Feels more race-focused, like a slick tire with grooves. However, it tends to exhibit more understeer than the Michelin.
  • Quote: "It felt meatier, manlier... it just felt more poised to race."
• Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R:
  • Slower in dry conditions compared to Michelin and Goodyear but provides a more manageable and predictable feel. It is less aggressive, offering consistent performance with minimal drop-off across multiple laps. Ideal for less experienced drivers.
  • Quote: "It felt like it could go on all day... the most manageable tire."
  • Dry Performance Summary:
    • Michelin offers the best outright lap time in dry conditions.
    • Goodyear performs similarly to Michelin but loses pace after the first lap.
    • Pirelli lags in terms of speed but stands out for manageability and playfulness, making it more accessible to a wider range of drivers.

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First Lap Performance:​

• All three tires show a "peak" first-lap performance, with grip and handling stabilizing as they reach optimal temperature.

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Temperature Sensitivity:​

• The importance of temperature in tire performance is highlighted, with significant improvement in braking performance from the first to second braking runs, even after a warm-up procedure.
  • Key Insight: Extreme performance tires require a warm-up to achieve optimal performance.

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Durability and Wear:​

• The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R shows better durability, with minimal wear observed after testing.
• Both Michelin and Goodyear tires exhibit signs of wear, indicating that their extreme performance may come at the cost of long-term durability.
  • Key Insight: While Pirelli shows better durability, Michelin and Goodyear may be better suited for short-duration, high-performance events.