Evo: Summer Tire Test R19 2024

Evo: Summer Tire Test R19

Evo’s 2024 test of 235/35 R19 sport-class tires at Goodyear’s revamped Mireval Proving Ground (France) highlighted shifting dynamics in high-performance tire design. Previous leaders like Bridgestone and Goodyear faced stiff competition from Continental and Michelin, with the latter praised for balanced dry and wet handling. Testing used a VW Golf Mk8 for timed laps and a Mk7 GTI with race seats to gauge driver feedback.

Upgrades to the track’s final chicane pushed tires to their limits, revealing strengths in dry grip (Continental), wet stability (Michelin), and aquaplaning resistance (Falken). However, some models struggled with overheating (Vredestein) or vague steering feel (Pirelli). While Bridgestone delivered strong wet-track speed, inconsistencies in rain braking cost points.

The results underscored how minor design tweaks can reshape rankings, with Continental and Michelin now leading a tightly contested field. Full analysis explores why premium brands still dominate—and where budget options fall short.

  1. Continental SportContact 7 - Winner Recommended
    Continental SportContact 7
    95 62
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Continental SportContact 7 triumphed in dry racing conditions, earning a perfect 10/10 subjective score for handling precision. Praised by Evo for its "unmatched blend of technical prowess and driver engagement," it excels in delivering sport-focused dynamics. EU Label D/A/B-72 reflects balanced wet efficiency and noise control, though its £138 price positions it as a premium choice.

    Steering Response   Dry Lateral Stability   Dry Performance   Dry Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Mexico Mexico · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East
    Test Score:
    100
  2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
    87 72
    · Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S claimed second place with exceptional dry-track performance, praised for its "grippy, composed, and precise" handling under extreme conditions. Despite its age, it delivered strong traction and refinement on rough asphalt, though its £158 price reflects a premium position.

    Steering Response   Dry Lateral Stability   Dry Handling   Ride Quality   Dry Traction  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · South Korea South Korea · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Africa Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    99.8
  3. Bridgestone Potenza Sport
    Bridgestone Potenza Sport
    84 64
    · Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Potenza Sport secured a top-three ranking in 2024 sports tire evaluations, excelling with the fastest wet lap times and sustained hydroplaning resistance. Despite leading in wet track performance, it recorded the poorest braking distances in simulated rain conditions, revealing a critical trade-off.

    Wet Handling   Aquaplaning   Wet Traction   Wet Braking  
    North America North America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Africa Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    98.7
  4. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    83 66
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport earned third place in a fiercely competitive field, delivering exceptional dry traction, precision, and confident acceleration. Its near-top wet speed and agile handling impressed drivers, though marginal gaps in hydroplaning resistance and braking held it back from higher rankings.

    Wet Acceleration   Dry Handling   Dry Traction   Wet Handling   Dry Performance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · South Africa South Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    98.7
  5. Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    N/A 29
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Ultrac Pro demonstrated consistent performance across all tests, offering precise steering and strong initial dry traction. However, overheating on subsequent laps reduced its dry precision, while wet traction remained modest yet predictable.

    Dry Traction   Steering Response   Wet Traction   Dry Handling   Dry Lateral Stability  
    USA+ USA+ · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    98.6
  6. Pirelli P Zero PZ4
    Pirelli P Zero PZ4
    81 63
    · Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 prioritized ride comfort and noise reduction, excelling on rough surfaces but lagged in sport-class steering precision. Drivers noted light steering feel and reduced feedback during dry track sessions, despite decent corner-exit traction.

    Comfort   Noise   Steering Response  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    97.7
  7. Falken Azenis FK520
    Falken Azenis FK520
    76 44
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Falken Azenis FK520 excelled in lateral aquaplaning resistance but struggled with wet traction and acceleration control, requiring cautious inputs to avoid wheelspin. While functional on dry tracks, it lacked the precision and confidence of top-tier competitors.

    Lateral Aquaplaning   Wet Acceleration   Wet Traction  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    92.7
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
100
Tire Size
235/35R19
Season
Summer
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Feb 28, 2025
Date updated
Mar 13, 2025

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