Optima Racing Competitors

Pirelli was founded in Milan in 1872 and today stands as a global brand known for its cutting-edge technology, high-end production excellence and passion for innovation that draws heavily on its Italian roots. With 18 production plants in 12 countries and a commercial presence in over 160, Pirelli has around 30,700 employees and had a turnover of about 5.3 billion euro (in 2021). It is among the world’s major producers of tyres and associated services and the only one focused solely on the Consumer tyre market, which includes tyres for cars, motorcycles and bicycles. Pirelli’s technological excellence is also nourished by the innovation and competencies derived from sporting competitions, in which it has been active for over 110 years. Currently, the Company participates in over 350 car and motorcycle sport events and, since 2011, it has been the exclusive tyre supplier to the Formula 1© World Championship and will be the sole Global Tyre Partner until 2024. All of this has grown from a strong commitment to Research and Development based on an “Open Innovation” model. In 2021, Pirelli’s investment in R&D equaled around 6% of its revenues from High Value products, one of the highest levels among the world’s major tyre producers. Pirelli boasts around 2,000 people engaged in R&D, located at its Milan headquarters and 12 local technology centres, and a portfolio of more than 6,700 patents. The Pirelli brand is an international icon standing for technology, tastefulness and Italian excellence, synonymous with safety and reliability. Represented by the unmistakable “long P” logo for more than a century, the Pirelli name is associated with exclusivity, luxury and innovation, strengthening its distinctive position as a supplier to luxury car manufacturers. Pirelli continually enhances the reputation and strength of the brand through its involvement in motorsport events and competitions, cultural and artistic projects and initiatives benefitting local communities.

At Prodrive we like to challenge convention. By combining our motorsport ethos with free thinking we create innovative solutions to short timescales, which inspire our customers to realise their ambitions. We also help brands achieve success in motorsport and are the business behind some of the greatest names and achievements in motorsport.

AP Racing is the global leader in the design, development and production of high performing brake and clutch systems, creating innovative solutions for the motorsport, automotive OEM and upgrade markets.