Pirelli and Porsche are developing their cooperation in motorsport
The Pirelli company will replace Yokohama as the official tire supplier for the Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship, and a corresponding agreement has been signed for several years, and previously, Italian brand tires were not used in the North American monoseries, created in 2021. For racing, the Pirelli P Zero DHG slicks presented last year for GT class competitions will be supplied, and Pirelli is developing a partnership with Porsche beyond motorsport, and not so long ago it was announced that for the road version of the 911 GT3 sports car, P Zero R and P Zero Trofeo RS tires have been approved. As they say in Pirelli, both tires were created using technologies initially developed for the racing segment, and thus the company demonstrates how know-how from motorsport allows improving the characteristics of civilian tires.
"Porsche and Pirelli share a rich heritage in motorsport and a commitment to innovation that manifests both on the racetrack and on public roads," said Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). "We are pleased to welcome Pirelli to the leading Porsche monoseries, and in 2026 we are opening a new chapter in the history of the championship together with the 911 Cup and their tires."
The sidewalls of the Pirelli slicks feature the logo of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), confirming that all natural rubber used has been certified by the non-profit organization and is produced with consideration for biodiversity conservation and ensuring the well-being of people living in the regions of its procurement. The FSC standards are supposed to guarantee that certified materials are not mixed with non-certified ones throughout the supply chain from plantations to tire factories.
In the event of rain, Pirelli Cinturato WHB special tires will be available to participants in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, which were also presented in 2025.
"We are very pleased to be collaborating with Porsche Motorsport North America as the tire supplier for the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, adding to our extensive list of top-level championships we work with around the world," noted Claudio Zanardo, President and CEO of Pirelli North America. "This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to developing innovation and how we transfer proven racing technologies to road tire production. Just as Porsche cars are the benchmark in the industry, P Zero tires also set standards in terms of steering response accuracy, handling, and efficiency in both motorsport and everyday life."
According to Zanardo, there is currently a "rapid development of motorsport" in North America, and the partnership with Porsche will allow the company to attract new customers from among fans and get a new opportunity to demonstrate the level of its technological solutions.
"Taking on a new challenge with Porsche, teams, drivers, and cult cars 911 Cup is an opportunity for continuous improvement, collaboration, and development throughout the season," he added.
In 2026, participants in the championship will be driving new Porsche 911 Cup in version 992.2 with improved handling, which will also be used in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, and Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series. The official start of the season will take place on March 18-20 in Sebring (Florida, USA).