WRC drivers call for improved Pirelli rubber after Portugal punctures

Tyre issues became a talking point after a particularly brutal Friday as the new-for-2022 Rally1 cars contested a gravel rally for the first time.

Pirelli debuted a new hard and soft gravel tyre at the event, which featured reinforced structures and a design optimised for the increased torque and the heavier Rally1 cars, which weigh in 70kg more than the previous generation.

Despite the upgraded rubber, several crews suffered instances of tyres coming off the rim or punctures as a result of the extreme rough stages during Friday.

Eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier and Hyundai’s Ott Tanak suffered punctures in Stages 6 and 7, which ended in the former retiring from the rally, having elected against carrying two spare wheels.

M-Sport’s Craig Breen also suffered a puncture during the second pass of Friday’s stages, while team-mates Adrien Fourmaux and Gus Greensmith were among those to encounter tyre problems.

The extreme conditions had surprised many of the drivers with the conditions exacerbated by a larger entry, compared to previous events, passing through the tests.

However, Ogier was among those critical of the integrity of the rubber suggesting that work is required to improve the tyres.

The 38-year-old said he had been driving cautiously and was surprised when his puncture alarm was triggered. It is also the second time the Frenchman has been hampered by a puncture after losing a likely win to one at Monte Carlo in January.

“For sure, so far two rallies and in Monte I lose the win because of that [a puncture] and in Portugal I was in the fight for the win and also exit because of that,” Ogier told Motorsport.com.

“I don’t think I need to say more. There is definitely some work to be done on that side.”

Greensmith picked up a puncture on the smoother super special stage that concluded Friday, before picking up further tyre…