Pirelli Introduces New Wet Weather Compound

Pirelli has begun the rollout of a new wet weather compound, first introducing it in DTM and ADAC GT Masters as part of a newly extended exclusive supply deal with ADAC.

The tire, named Cinturato WHB, features a new tread design that uses latest-generation materials. Pirelli claims the tire features increased tread rigidity, improved footprint and optimized grip and warm-up at low temperatures.

At the same time, it says the tire has a broader field of use compared to its predecessor through increased stability in phases of transition between wet and dry conditions as well as a better sensitivity to aquaplaning.

The new compound will first be introduced in DTM and ADAC GT Masters, which both have their season opener at Oschersleben this weekend.

Pirelli and ADAC, the organizing body for both championships, announced on Friday a new two-year deal that will see the Italian manufacturer remain the exclusive tire supplier until the end of 2025.

While GT Masters already ran on Pirelli tires prior to 2023, DTM switched to the brand last year after racing on Michelin rubber for the first two years of its GT3 reboot.

“Our collaboration is invaluable, not only because of the reliable high quality of the tires,” said ADAC motorsport director Thomas Voss.

“In Pirelli, we have a company with experience from numerous international racing series, including Formula 1.”

Pirelli has stated that the new Cinturato WHB compound will be “gradually extended” into all Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS series, with circuit activity manager Matteo Braga describing that as “the next step.”

“The DTM is an excellent test bench in racing for the new Cinturato,” said Braga.

“In the German series, in fact, top teams and drivers compete on demanding tracks and in sprint races that are always open to the end.

“The revamped wet-weather tire, like the P Zero DHF dry-weather tire, has been developed to meet the needs of all the GT2, GT3 and GT4 cars that compete in all the championships for which we are suppliers and to which it will be gradually extended, according to the needs and schedules of the promoters and teams.

“The GTWC, in its various continental articulations, will be the next step.”