Pirelli to Introduce New-Generation GT3 Tire in 2025

Pirelli is planning to introduce a new generation of GT racing tire in 2025 to replace the current P Zero DHF product that is used in multiple sports car racing championships.

The Italian supplier’s circuit racing manager Matteo Braga explained that Pirelli had considered replacing the DHF next year but chose to wait another season before implementing changes.

The new-generation product will be used in SRO Motorsports Group series including the four regional Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS series, based on a recent extension of an exclusive supply agreement until the end of 2028.

“Probably in the middle of next year we will decide what we will bring to 2025,” Braga told Sportscar365.

“There are already some changes, such as new fuel and new cars. Together with SRO, we decided to keep the same DHF range in 2024 for stability.

“The original plan was to maybe change in 2024, but all the conditions were favorable to keep the same product. It’s easier for everybody.”

Braga described the upcoming 2025 tire as a further “evolution” of Pirelli’s GT racing product rather than a clean-slate design.

The introduction of the DHF in 2022 saw Pirelli align the GT3, GT4 and GT2 categories under the same tire. It then made some updates to the GT3 tire this year to make it better at absorbing mechanical stress.

“We are working on different topics and new materials,” said Braga. “Improving performance, reliability and mileage.

“At a certain point, we will set targets together with SRO and decide which one to take for 2025. Probably, new materials is the first driving point.

“I would say it’s an evolution. Like the DHF is an evolution of the DHE, we try to develop with the development of the cars and new needs.

“We always try to evolve. It’s never designed from scratch.”

Testing of potential options for the 2025 tire has taken place throughout “the whole year” according to Braga who said that multiple manufacturers have been involved in the process.

A collective test with a wide range of GT3 brands will likely be held towards the end of 2024 in preparation for the rollout in anger.

“Our development is always ongoing,” said Braga.

“It not only includes GT3, GT4 and GT2, but Ferrari Challenge is also part of our GT world. Every development we run, the targets are always shared with different projects.

“We always try to involve all the manufacturers and give them a chance to give their feedback.

“We need to ensure the product works for everybody. We don’t want to focus on only one or two brands.”

The DHF was introduced gradually as Pirelli battled supply issues stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, with Fanatec GT Europe and America being the first to use it.

The tire made its debut in Fanatec GT Asia at the second round of the 2022 season while its first appearance in Fanatec GT Australia came at this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour.

“Everything depends on the calendars and stock management,” said Braga.

“I would say that, as usual, the BoP test in Paul Ricard is the starting point because we have all the cars running in the same conditions.

“SRO is able to settle the BoP parameters, and from there we are able to work with different series. So if Bathurst is before the BoP test, we will maybe have a one-year delay [there].”