In addition to the debut of the new hybrid cars on gravel roads, the Vodafone Rally of Portugal also represents the first test of the latest Scorpion tyres developed by Pirelli for this type of surface.
The first gravel event of the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship season will see the debut of the updated version of the Scorpion KX WRC, the dirt tyre that Pirelli has developed specifically for cars in the main Rally1 category.
The Scorpion KX WRC features two compounds, both revamped for the 2022 season, with reinforced structures and a design optimised for the extra weight and power of the latest Rally1.
For the Portuguese event, the harder compound (HA) will be the main choice, being able to provide good durability on the most abrasive surfaces. SA will be the most suitable compound for colder or wet conditions.
With a record 100 entries, Pirelli has brought a total of 2,400 tyres to Portugal, of which 520 are destined for the 12 cars in the main category. Each Rally1 team will be able to use up to 28 tyres during the rally, including shakedown.
Under current rules, each driver can choose four extra tyres of any compound before shakedown, in addition to the first option.
Remember that Portugal has fast and technical stages, with an initially soft and sandy surface, which provides little grip to drivers who open the road. After the first passes, drivers start to worry about a harder and rockier base. These characteristics mean that tyres for Portugal have to be versatile in order to offer high levels of performance and durability.
Pirelli is also responsible for supplying tyres for the 41 cars entered in WRC2. In this case, each team can use up to a maximum of 26 tyres from the shakedown, between the hard (4KA) and soft (4K6A) compounds.
Additionally, Pirelli will supply 210 tyres to Junior WRC drivers. In this category, each team can use a maximum of 22 tyres (between KA and K6), also including shakedown.
In addition to the main categories, Pirelli will also support competitors in the Toyota Gazoo Racing and Peugeot Rally Cup Ibérica.