Video: Watch a WRC tyre put through real torture

Today’s example of tyre torture showcases what a Pirelli tyre undergoes during a tarmac stage of the WRC. To be precise the Pirelli on Craig Breen’s Hyundai i20 Coupe at Rally Croatia earlier this year.

Of all the tyres in all the world the a top-level rally car’s must be the ones put under the most stress in their day-to-day life, covering mile after mile of rutted stages and the road sections that link them with changes only coming when the driver absolutely has to.

Unlike most racing tyres, the conditions for a rally tyre are not ideal. While F1’s rubber suffers from incredible forces put through it by the cars amazing abilities, the surface that it trips over is almost as smooth as glass. The WRC however pays no heed to such concerns, finding in many case that actually the worse the road, the better the show.

That means rally tyres have to be more robust and withstand a lot more, cutting between tarmac and road, grass and potholes without losing integrity. This angle is perfect for showcasing not just what the tyre goes through, but how pinpoint the world’s best rally drivers are, with Breen cutting some corners so fine that he clips passing stage signs and very nearly takes the camera off on a barrier. It is an absolutely absorbing watch.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: McRae scaring Needell in an Impreza WRC