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Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 - Test Results

Test Statistics

11

Tests Completed

2nd

Average Position

1st

Best Result

4th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 - Official Image

Across 10 tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a dominant track-day tire with exceptional dry performance and consistently high overall finishes (average position 1.5), frequently winning or placing top-2 in mixed UHP/track tests. It delivers class-leading dry braking and handling, and often tops dry laps even against other semi-slicks. However, its wet performance and aquaplaning resistance are recurrent weaknesses, and comfort/rolling resistance are secondary to its track focus.
In difficult, mixed-tire fields, the Cup 2 still secures overall wins by overwhelming dry pace despite clear wet and aquaplaning deficits. Pricing can be high, and subjective ABS activity can appear in heavy braking, reflecting a compound biased to longevity and track consistency rather than ultimate grip in all conditions.

Performance Strengths
  • Dry Performance Strong
    • 1st overall with 1st dry braking and 1st dry handling in 2020 Sport Auto 245/35 R19
    • 1st dry handling in 2017 Sport Auto (87.1 km/h, fastest semi-slick)
    • 2nd dry braking and 2nd dry handling in 2017 Auto Bild Track Day (within +2.9% and +0.3%)
    • 1st dry handling lap pace vs PS4S/R888R/Goodyear cohort in 2021 (+1% from best)
    • Multiple wins: 2018 Sport Auto (2nd dry braking +1.5%, 2nd dry handling +0.8%), 2024 GT3 RS test overall win despite mid-pack dry metrics
  • Overall Competitiveness/Awards Strong
    • Average overall position 1.5 across 10 tests
    • Overall 1/10 (2020 Sport Auto), 1/9 (2018 Sport Auto), 1/6 (2024 GT3 RS), 1/5 (2017 Auto Bild), 1/2 (2020 Cup 2 vs Cup 2 R), 1/2 (2013 launch comparison), 2/10 (2020 Auto Bild), 2/8 (2015 Australian Motor)
  • Relative Wet Performance vs Track-Day Peers Moderate
    • 1st wet braking and 1st wet handling vs Cup 2 R in 2020 comparison
    • 1st wet braking and 2nd wet handling among track-day tires in 2017 Auto Bild
    • Wet handling 3/5 in 2024 GT3 RS (+3.1%)
  • Noise/Subjective Dry Moderate
    • 1st subjective dry handling in 2020 Sport Auto (12 pts)
    • 2nd noise in 2020 Auto Bild (73 dB, +0.1% from best)
Performance Weaknesses
  • Wet Weather Performance Strong
    • 8/10 wet braking (+27.8%) and 8/10 wet handling (+8.2%) in 2020 Sport Auto; 9/10 wet circle (+11.9%)
    • 9/10 wet braking (+22.5%) and 9/10 wet handling (+14.1%) in 2017 Sport Auto
    • 9/10 wet braking (+22.3%) and 9/10 wet handling (+6.7%) in 2020 Auto Bild
    • Wet braking 5/5 (+8.9%) in 2024 GT3 RS
  • Aquaplaning Resistance Strong
    • 10/10 straight aquaplaning (+11.9%) in 2020 Auto Bild
    • 8/10 straight aquaplaning (+9%) and 9/10 wet circle (+11.9%) in 2020 Sport Auto
    • 7/9 straight aquaplaning (+12.7%) in 2018 Sport Auto
  • Comfort and Efficiency Moderate
    • 10/10 subjective comfort (+40%) and 9/10 noise (72.8 dB, +2.8%) in 2020 Sport Auto
    • Rolling resistance mid-to-poor: 8/10 (+12.6%) in 2020 Sport Auto; 7/10 (+13.2%) in 2020 Auto Bild; 6/9 (+7.6%) in 2018 Sport Auto
  • Price/Value Strong
    • 10/10 most expensive (+158.3%) in 2020 Auto Bild
    • 9/9 most expensive (+177.6%) in 2018 Sport Auto
  • Dry Braking Consistency at Extreme Sizes Minor
    • 6/6 dry braking (+15.3%) in 2024 GT3 RS 335/30 R21
    • 2/2 dry braking (+15.6%) vs Cup 2 R in 2020 comparison
Performance Over Time

Test History

4
of 8
The BEST Performance Summer Tires for 2026 Tested! Recommended

2026
Winner: Pirelli P Zero R

I think the result for the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is going to surprise a lot of people; it certainly surprised me. It wasn't fastest in the dry and I'm a little bit surprised that the King Boss...
Strong:
Noise, Dry Braking, Dry Handling, Subj. Dry Handling
Weak:
Subj. Comfort, Wet Braking
View Test
1
of 6
The BEST Track Day Tires for 2024

2024

The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (N0) impressed drivers with its predictable and confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. The tire provided a neutral balance, allowing for precise turn-in and a...
Weak:
Dry Braking, Dry Handling Long Run, Wet Braking
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2
of 5
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Cup 2 vs Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3 vs 3R vs Toyo R888R

2021
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R

The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performs as expected from the Cup 2, it offers high levels of grip and is very easy to drive for a track tire, however it breaks into understeer earlier than the Supe...
Strong:
Dry Handling
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1
of 2
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 VS Cup 2 R - Tested

2020

View Test
1
of 10
2020 UHP, UUHP and Track Day Tire Test

2020

Best dry grip of all the tires.
Strong:
Dry Braking, Dry Handling, Subj. Dry Handling
Weak:
Noise, Subj. Comfort, Wet Circle
View Test
2
of 10
2020 Auto Bild UHP 19 inch Tire Test

2020
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 6

Conditionally Recommended.
Strong:
Noise, Dry Braking, Dry Handling
Weak:
Price, Straight Aqua, Wet Braking, Wet Handling
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1
of 9
2018 Sport Auto 19 inch UHP and Track Day Tire Test

2018

Strong:
Dry Braking, Dry Handling
Weak:
Price, Wet Braking
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1
of 5
2017 Track Day Tire Test

2017

Strong:
Dry Braking, Dry Handling, Straight Aqua, Wet Braking, Wet Handling
View Test
3
of 10
2017 Sport Auto UHP and Track Day Test

2017
Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Recommended
Strong:
Dry Handling
Weak:
Wet Braking, Wet Handling
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2
of 8
2015 Australian Motor 235/35 R19 Tire Test

2015
Winner: Continental ContiSportContact 5 P

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1
of 2
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 - Launched

2013

When compared directly to the Cup+, initial impressions of the Cup 2 were actually negative - it’s a slightly slower steering tire in low speed corners. While it's only a fraction, it was no...
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