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Bridgestone Potenza Race - Test Results

Test Statistics

2

Tests Completed

1st

Average Position

1st

Best Result

1st

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Bridgestone Potenza Race - Official Image

Across two summer track-focused tests, the Bridgestone Potenza Race shows consistently elite overall performance, winning both comparisons (1/3 in 2023 and 1/6 in 2022). The pattern suggests it delivers very strong lap-time capability driven by high grip and sharp steering/response, particularly in handling-focused metrics.

Its main compromises are in stopping distances, especially in the wet, where it gives up a notable margin to the best tire in the test. There are also indications of a narrower optimal operating window versus the very best rivals, with testers noting it needs more time/heat to reach peak performance.

Performance Strengths
  • Overall Track Pace / Competitiveness Strong
    • 1st overall in 2023 'Potenza Sport vs Potenza Race vs RE-71RS' test (1/3)
    • 1st overall in 2022 Auto Bild track day test (1/6), noted as among the fastest semi-slicks
  • Dry Handling / Cornering Performance Strong
    • 2nd place dry handling in 2023 (114.3 s), only +1.6% from best (2/3)
    • 2nd place dry handling in 2022 (126.8 km/h), +3.4% from best (2/6)
  • Wet Handling (Grip/Control) Moderate
    • 2nd place wet handling in 2022 (86.8 km/h), just +0.3% from best (2/6)
    • Despite wet braking deficit, still achieved 1st overall in the same 2022 test, implying strong wet lap/handling capability
  • Steering Response / Driver Feel Moderate
    • 2022 test mention: testers enjoyed the steering response of the Bridgestone (and Pirelli) the most
    • Consistent top-2 handling placements (2/3 in 2023; 2/6 in 2022) align with strong response/precision
Performance Weaknesses
  • Wet Braking / Wet Stopping Distance Strong
    • 3rd place wet braking in 2022 (53.9 m), +21.7% from best (3/6)
    • Wet braking ranked lower than wet handling (3/6 vs 2/6), indicating braking is the weaker wet sub-discipline
  • Dry Braking / Stopping Distance Moderate
    • 3rd place dry braking in 2022 (32.3 m), +12.2% from best (3/6)
    • Braking performance trails its own handling results (dry handling 2/6 vs dry braking 3/6), suggesting a grip-balance skew toward cornering rather than braking
  • Warm-up / Consistency Over Early Laps Moderate
    • 2023 test mention: 'Potenza Race needed longer to reach optimal temperature, taking until mid-way through lap two to fully come alive'
    • 2022 test mention: Pirelli offered 'a little more consistency across the three timed laps' than the Bridgestone

Test History

1
of 3
Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Potenza Race vs RE-71RS

2023

The Potenza Race delivers a compelling mix of road and track ability. On track, it runs 2 seconds faster than the Sport with more consistent lap times. On the road, it matches the Sport for noise a...
Strong:
Dry Handling
View Test
1
of 6
2022 Track Day Tire Test

2022

Strong:
Dry Handling, Wet Handling
View Test