Tire Guide

As the overall performance capabilities of today's max performance summer tires continue to evolve to higher levels, tire engineers must constantly develop new technologies and manufacturing methods in an effort to expand the performance envelope of their tires. Creating technology that allows tires to perform under the extremes found in the highest levels of racing is one way many tire manufactures develop and test new ways of improving "street" tire performance. With the introduction of the Potenza S-03 Pole Position (replacing the Potenza S-02 Pole Position), Bridgestone has combined the advancements learned from producing their race-winning Potenza Racing Rain tire used by many of the top Formula One teams with technology already found in some of their other road-going tires. Bridgestone Potenza Racing Rain tires helped carry Michael Schumacher to victory at the inaugural 2000 U.S. Grand Prix held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and to the 2000 Overall Driver's Championship. The technology that gives Formula One drivers like Michael the confidence to drive in the rain at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour is also designed to improve the tires we drive on everyday. To get a better understanding of how the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position benefits from Formula One tire technology, The Tire Rack conducted a Real World Road Ride and Performance Test Track Drive, comparing the Potenza S-03 Pole Position to the Michelin Pilot Sport and the Pirelli PZero Rosso Assimetrico, two of the latest and most advanced designs in the max performance category. We used 225/45R17 sized tires mounted on 17x8 wheels fitted to three 2000 BMW E46 chassis 328ci coupes. During our evaluation, we were able to compare the three tires' ride and handling characteristics on the road, as well as in both wet and dry conditions on the test track.