Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R: In the high-stakes world of track day performance, the Bridgestone Potenza Race and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R stand out as titans in the semi-slick tire segment. These two heavyweights are renowned for pushing the limits of grip, speed, and driving precision, setting the stage for an exhilarating duel on the asphalt. As enthusiasts and professional drivers alike seek the ultimate edge, the showdown between Bridgestone’s engineering mastery and Pirelli’s race-bred performance promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Get ready for a clash of the titans where every lap, every corner, and every moment on the track underscores the pinnacle of tire technology and performance.
Table of Contents
Results: Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
Results below were taken from 2022 Auto Bild Tack day Tire Test with a total of 6 tires tested including a slick reference, The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone Potenza Race vs Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R based on the relevant performance category. Potenza Race was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Golf GTI Club Sport which is a very fast car relative to its size.
Dry
In the high-performance realm of semi-slick tires, where dry conditions dominate the scene and dry handling is paramount, the Bridgestone Potenza Race and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R engage in a tightly contested battle. When it comes to stopping power on a bone-dry track, the difference between these two titans is razor-thin, with the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R edging out the Bridgestone Potenza Race by a mere 0.6 meters in dry braking performance, achieving a stop from 100 km/h to a standstill in 31.7 meters compared to Bridgestone’s 32.3 meters.
However, the playing field levels remarkably in the arena of dry handling. Both tires boast an identical average lap speed of 126.8 km/h, showcasing their exceptional ability to maintain high speeds and precision through corners. This neck-and-neck performance underscores the intense rivalry and technological prowess behind these leading contenders in the track day, semi-slick tire segment.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- +2% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
In the world of high-performance semi-slick tires, where dry capabilities take center stage, the importance of wet performance, though often seen as a secondary consideration due to legal requirements, cannot be entirely overlooked. When the skies open up, the Bridgestone Potenza Race and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R reveal distinct differences in their wet weather capabilities.
The Bridgestone Potenza Race demonstrates superior wet braking, stopping from 100 km/h to a standstill in 53.9 meters, outperforming the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, which requires 57.2 meters to achieve the same feat—a notable difference of 3.3 meters. This trend continues in wet handling, where the Bridgestone Potenza Race maintains a higher average speed of 86.8 km/h around the lap, compared to the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’s 81.6 km/h. This indicates that, despite the focus on dry performance, Bridgestone manages to offer a more confident and quicker performance in wet conditions, further distinguishing itself in the semi-slick tire segment.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- -6% in wet braking
- -6% in wet handling (average speed)
Mileage (track longevity)
In endurance aspects of track performance, both the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R were put to the test over a grueling 10-lap run at 80% of their maximum capability. This challenge aimed to gauge their longevity on the track, a critical factor for racers and enthusiasts who value both speed and durability. The outcome showed both tires leading the pack in terms of performance, but it was the Pirelli that stood out for its consistency over the duration of the test.
According to Auto Bild, by the end of the ten laps, both the Bridgestone and Pirelli tires were nearing the end of their usable life, indicating that while they offer exceptional performance, their track longevity under such intensive conditions is limited. This suggests that drivers looking to push these tires on the track should be prepared for the trade-off between high performance and the lifespan of their tires.
P Zero Trofeo R:
- ~0% in track mileage
Price
When it comes to the cost of high-performance semi-slick tires, specifically for the size 235/35 R19, there’s a noticeable difference between the Bridgestone Potenza Race and the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. The Potenza Race is priced at $415, offering a competitive rate for its class. In contrast, the P Zero Trofeo R commands a slightly higher price of $434, marking it as 4% more expensive than its Bridgestone counterpart. This price difference highlights the premium associated with the Pirelli brand, known for its consistency and performance, suggesting a consideration for buyers balancing between cost and the slight performance nuances these tires offer.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
- Potenza Race: $ 415
- P Zero Trofeo R: $ 434
Difference: +4% more expensive for P Zero Trofeo R.
Summary
As a tire expert focusing on high-performance semi-slicks, my comparison of the Bridgestone Potenza Race and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R highlights both tires’ strengths in the track day segment. While the Bridgestone offers excellent versatility across both dry and wet conditions, it’s the dry performance that really counts here.
The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R slightly outperforms in dry braking and demonstrates consistent high-speed handling, making it the preferable choice for those prioritizing dry track performance. Despite its slightly higher price, the Pirelli’s superior performance in critical dry conditions and its consistent output over demanding track sessions tilt my recommendation in its favor.
For enthusiasts and competitive drivers focusing on dry lap times and handling precision, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R stands out as the top choice, embodying the peak of what modern tire technology can achieve on the track.
Dr Edwin Pang