Motorsports News | Bike Reviews | Gadget Reviews
  • Home
  • Bike Reviews
  • Car Reviews
  • Product Reviews
  • Motorsports News
    • Isle of Man TT

      • Isle of Man TT 2020
      • Isle of Man TT 2022
    • MotoGP

      • MotoGP 2020
      • MotoGP 2021
      • MotoGP 2022
    • WSBK

      • WSBK 2020
      • WSBK 2021
      • WSBK 2022
    • Dakar

      • Dakar 2020
      • Dakar 2021
      • Dakar 2022
    • WRC

      • WRC 2020
      • WRC 2021
      • WRC 2022
    • Asian Le Mans Series

      • Asian Le Mans Series 2019
      • Asian Le Mans Series 2020/2021
      • Asian Le Mans Series 2022
  • Press Releases
    • Press Releases
    • PR Newswire
  • Others
    • Biker Profiles
    • Launches
  • Contact Us
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / MotorBugs Blog2 / Motorsports News3 / WRC 20174 / An exclusive, behind the scenes look at Rally Sweden and its studded t...

An exclusive, behind the scenes look at Rally Sweden and its studded tyres.

P-20160226-00321_HiRes JPEG 24bit RGB [800×600]

Detail of the spiked tires of Peugeot 206 WRX in Åre, Sweden on March 16, 2016.

It’s a single oxygen atom bonded to a couple of hydrogen atoms. It’s ice.
And last week’s Rally Sweden was full of it. In fact, without this naturally occurring crystalline inorganic solid, there wouldn’t and couldn’t have been a second round of the World Rally Championship.

Based in Sweden’s ironically named Värmland – warm land – region, temperatures plummeted to minus 15 as the world’s fastest rally drivers took to the frozen forests to do battle.

Conditions were pretty much perfect for the WRC’s winter wonderland. And those conditions required a succession of weather events to come in precise order. First came the snow, heavy snow. Then rising temperatures, prompting a big thaw. But that melt needed to last just a couple of days before the mercury went south and deep south to deep-freeze the moisture in the super-quick gravel roads. This developed the ice layer on the road surface.

Ideally, it will then stay cold and snow for a couple of days, adding some powder on top of the track and building some snow banks for the drivers to lean on in the corners.

The last bit didn’t quite happen last week. But the ice? There was no shortage of that.

This year’s World Rally Cars have more power, torque, downforce and transmission control than ever before, but they still relied on age-old tech for getting from A to B; stage start to flying finish.

To be precise, there were 1536 reasons the drivers were able to perform at Rally Sweden. Without those 1536, it would have been a no-show in the snow.

1536?

Studs. Metal studs, 1536 of them, each measuring 20mm.

Each tyre on every corner of a World Rally Car was hand-fitted with 384 of these tungsten-tipped pins. In Swedish, tung sten means heavy rock. That tells you everything you need to know about the strength of the 6.5mms of stud protruding from the tread pattern.

Thanks to the hours of handiwork from the tyre technicians, the WRC heroes were able to dance on ice and put on a show which had to be seen to be believed.

Standing up in large parts of Scandinavia at this time of the year is a significant achievement, so deep and so slippery is the ice. Yet these drivers were turning in between the trees at 180kph.

How?

Simply – if somewhat unbelievably – the grip last week is better than anywhere else in the season. The studs claw ferociously at rock-solid ice providing a mechanical element to longitudinal and lateral traction which simply can’t be replicated on any other surface.

In addition to the studded aspect, there remains a chemical action from the compound and construction of the tyre as well. In hard, icy conditions, the covers are stiff with little flex, helping to hammer the stud harder and deeper into the ice. But in heavy snow a much softer construction with a much more open tread pattern works best.

Rally Sweden winner Jari-Matti Latvala had plenty to smile about after his maiden win for the Toyota Gazoo Racing squad, but the Finn’s never happier than when he’s strutting his stuff atop the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.

“The feeling is like nothing else you get in this sport,” said Latvala. “Honestly, you can’t believe the forces you can put into the car. When you have thick, hard ice, you can accelerate so hard and brake so late, it’s more than on dry asphalt with a racing tyre.

“But it’s the lateral grip that’s the best. That’s so funny. When you are sliding the car in top gear at nearly 200kph and you know you have such amazing grip. You have to smile, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

And it’s all thanks to 1536 pieces of metal.

Credits : Photos and content courtesy of Red Bull Media

Check Out Our Instagram Feed

motorbugs

Automotive reviews & Fun stuff.

Motorbugs
The only tool u will ever need... #bikeporn #beta The only tool u will ever need...

#bikeporn #betatoolsmalaysia #betatools #motorbugs 

@betatoolsmalaysia 
@ducati_my
So what do you guys think about Ducati motogp late So what do you guys think about Ducati motogp latest rear aero wings?
#motorbugs
Some of the beautiful looking models Mazda have cr Some of the beautiful looking models Mazda have created. Can you identify the models and year it came out?
#mazda #mazdasg #mazdamy #motorbugs
#instacar #igcars
Game mode on.... #carporn #r8 #r8v10 #audir8 #aud Game mode on....

#carporn #r8 #r8v10 #audir8 #audi #v10 #motorbugs #speedhunters 
#ps5 #audi
@audimalaysia 
@audicentreglenmarie
Subaru GL Wagon..... how insane is this??? #subar Subaru GL Wagon..... how insane is this???

#subaru #4wheeldrive #downforce #gymkhana 

*all credit goes to the owner of this video 

@subaruasia 
@subarumotorsportsusa 
@subaru__wrx.sti @subaru.tecnica.international
Here are the race results for RD 1 Malaysia Superb Here are the race results for RD 1 Malaysia Superbike Championship at Sepang Circuit.

Race Results:
Top 4 Winners – MSBK1000 A Class

1.  Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin, YAMAHA GEN BLU RACING TEAM, 21’31:844s
2.  Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, HORIZON RACING TEAM, 21’42:494s
3.  Ahmad Daniel Haiqal, 22’03:443s
4.  Rajini Krishnan, RACR CASTROL POWER 1 ULTIMATE, 22’44:163s

Top 5 – MSBK1000 B Class

1.  Khoo Chee Yen, MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM, 23’18:273s
2.  Muhd Syukri Mat Zoki, ESRA RACING TEAM, 23’29:484s
3.  Raja Nazeem Iskandar, 23’33:297s
4.  Tee Wee Jin, MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM, 23’27:360s
5.  Micheal Luke Stone, ESRA RACING TEAM, 23’39:855s

Top 5 Winners – MSBK600 Class

1.  Khairul Idham Pawi, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, 21’53:773s
2.  Azroy Hakeem Anuar, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, 21’53:852s
3.  Muhd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin, SIC RACING TEAM, 21’58:191
4.  M. Danial Syahmi A. Shahril, SIC RACING TEAM, 22’06:956s
5.  Muhd Syarifudin Azman, SIC RACING TEAM, 22’19:907sc

Top 5 Winners - MSBK250 A Class

1.  Muhammad Farish Hafiy Farid Sezli, SIC RACING, 20’18:539s
2.  Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill, SIC RACING, 20’19:498s
3.  Emir Idzhar Ezuan, SIC RACING, 20’19:568s
4.  Muhd Zakir Naqiuddin, BTECH RACING TEAM, 21’07:663s
5.  Muhd Irfan Haykal Amidi, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING, 21’45:372s

Top 5 – MSBK250 B Class

1.  Muhammad Fauzi Hasan, 21’51:936s
2.  Ahmad Fariz Zafri, 21’54:328s
3.  Muhd Nur Haikal M. Nur Fikri, 22’37:423s
4.  Saidatul Zakirah Zairin, BTECH RACING TEAM, 22’42:260s
5.  Siti Norsyafiyah Alia, BTECH RACING TEAM, 22’59:731s

Top 5 Winners – Yamalube Yamaha Y16ZR Race MasterClass

1.  Muhd Adie Putra Sukarno, TME MOTORSPORTS, 17’49:383s
2.  Ahmad Syukran Aizzat Yusoff, ADVANCE VERTEX RACING, 17’49: 446s
3.  M. Norhakim Norhafizullah, TAKONG RACING, 17’49:592s
4.  Danial Johan, HOCK LIONG MOTOR RACING, 17’49:642s
5.  Muhd Fareez Afeez A. Rahman, SINGDECA RACING, 17’49:730s

#msbk #sepangcircuit #motorBugs
@malaysiasbk
@31_racing @sepangcircuit @msiancubprix @yamahamotormy @hondamotorcycle.my
Eyes candy at @muttmotorcycles.sg A home away from Eyes candy at @muttmotorcycles.sg A home away from home. Great people sharing the same passion.
#motorbugs #muttmotorcycles_sg #muttmotorcycles #instamotorcycle #instabikes
Finally they have come to an agreement... @motogp Finally they have come to an agreement... @motogp
A short try out on the new Yamaha R15M. Agile. Sli A short try out on the new Yamaha R15M. Agile. Slim. Looks great like a smaller version of the M1. Will be doing a full review soon.
#hongleongyamahamotor #hongleongyamaha #motorbugs #yamahar15m #r15m #instamotorcycle #instabike
Off road jungle driving requires a totally differe Off road jungle driving requires a totally different driving skill sets. But absolutely rewarding
#seaadventureteam #motorbugs #offroaddriving #4x4 #4x4life #instacars #insta4x4 #jungledriving #camping
The new Yamaha R15 M. A replica of Yamaha M1 with The new Yamaha R15 M. A replica of Yamaha M1 with a fraction of a price. Would you get one for your man cave or garage?
#hongleongyamahamotor #hongleongyamaha #motorbugs #yamahar15m #yamahamotor
Yamaha latest R15M from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sd Yamaha latest R15M from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd. Going at below MYR15K.
#hongleongyamaha #hongleongyamahamotor #motorbugs #yamahar15m
It's always a competition with #seaadventureteam 😂
#motorbugs #4x4offroad #4x4life #mahendrascorpio #toyotalandcruiser
Always encouraging & happy to see Malaysia drift a Always encouraging & happy to see Malaysia drift and race queen @leonachin taking part in races, both local and abroad. Hope to see more ladies taking part in both 2-wheel & 4-wheel races. We wish @leona_my the best for 2022 and beyond
#malaysiachampionshipseries
#motorbugs
#leonachin
#womeninmotorsport
#instaracer
Malaysian Championship Series (MCS) round 2. 17th Malaysian Championship Series (MCS) round 2. 17th - 19th June 2022. TP, SP1 & 2 & MTC classes
#sepangcircuit #sepanginternationalcircuit
#hirev @leona_my
#motorbugs @leonachin #mcs #malaysianchampionshipseries
Catch the Malaysian Championship Series happening Catch the Malaysian Championship Series happening from 17th to 19th June 2022 @sepangcircuit with an interesting group of entries.
@petron_malaysia #bulumotorsports #msamotorsports #wargawawasan #srtmotorsports  #superGP.net #thelawnsg  #yokohama  #skgarage #motul #bankbjb #deltagarage #sparklingkingautospa #tunegarage #empireracing #ftuneracingsuspension #ahsguard #estrada #deentertainment #hirev #stwangan #dreamchaser #kenomotorsport #jebonglobaltrading #thebiggroup #dixeladvancebraketechnology #dixel #moty's #winghin #winghinmotorsports  #motorbugs
Ducati Malaysia launches 6 new models to capture t Ducati Malaysia launches 6 new models to capture the premium market for almost all the categories of bikers.
#ducatimalaysia
#ducati
#ducati2022
#motorbugs
#ducatipaningale
#ducatimultistrada
#ducatiscrambler
#ducatistreetfighter
#instamotorcycle
#instabikes
6 models launched today by Ducati Malaysia with it 6 models launched today by Ducati Malaysia with its very own financing.
What are you guys waiting for? Take your pick.
#ducatimalaysia
#motorbugs
#ducati
@juliewoon
Ducati 2022 premiere. Ducati 2022 premiere.
Ducati 2022 Malaysia Premiere. #ducatimalaysia #du Ducati 2022 Malaysia Premiere.
#ducatimalaysia
#ducati
#ducati2022
#motorbugs
Load More Follow on Instagram

Check Out Our Facebook Feed

MotorBugs

MotorBugs

499

The Latest Happenings in the World of Motorsports.

MotorBugs

6 days ago

MotorBugs
So what do you guys think about Ducati motogp latest rear aero wings?#motorBugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs

7 days ago

MotorBugs
Some of the beautiful looking models Mazda have created. Can you identify the models and year it came out?#Mazda #mazdasg #mazdamy #motorBugs#instacar #igcars ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs

2 weeks ago

MotorBugs
Here are the race results for RD 1 Malaysia Superbike Championship at Sepang Circuit.After a long awaited come back a good show of strength among the participants. Race Results:Top 4 Winners – MSBK1000 A Class1. Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin, YAMAHA GEN BLU RACING TEAM, 21’31:844s2. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, HORIZON RACING TEAM, 21’42:494s3. Ahmad Daniel Haiqal, 22’03:443s4. Rajini Krishnan, RACR CASTROL POWER 1 ULTIMATE, 22’44:163sTop 5 – MSBK1000 B Class1. Khoo Chee Yen, MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM, 23’18:273s2. Muhd Syukri Mat Zoki, ESRA RACING TEAM, 23’29:484s3. Raja Nazeem Iskandar, 23’33:297s4. Tee Wee Jin, MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM, 23’27:360s5. Micheal Luke Stone, ESRA RACING TEAM, 23’39:855sTop 5 Winners – MSBK600 Class1. Khairul Idham Pawi, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, 21’53:773s2. Azroy Hakeem Anuar, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, 21’53:852s3. Muhd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin, SIC RACING TEAM, 21’58:1914. M. Danial Syahmi A. Shahril, SIC RACING TEAM, 22’06:956s5. Muhd Syarifudin Azman, SIC RACING TEAM, 22’19:907scTop 5 Winners - MSBK250 A Class1. Muhammad Farish Hafiy Farid Sezli, SIC RACING, 20’18:539s2. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill, SIC RACING, 20’19:498s3. Emir Idzhar Ezuan, SIC RACING, 20’19:568s4. Muhd Zakir Naqiuddin, BTECH RACING TEAM, 21’07:663s5. Muhd Irfan Haykal Amidi, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING, 21’45:372sTop 5 – MSBK250 B Class1. Muhammad Fauzi Hasan, 21’51:936s2. Ahmad Fariz Zafri, 21’54:328s3. Muhd Nur Haikal M. Nur Fikri, 22’37:423s4. Saidatul Zakirah Zairin, BTECH RACING TEAM, 22’42:260s5. Siti Norsyafiyah Alia, BTECH RACING TEAM, 22’59:731sTop 5 Winners – Yamalube Yamaha Y16ZR Race MasterClass1. Muhd Adie Putra Sukarno, TME MOTORSPORTS, 17’49:383s2. Ahmad Syukran Aizzat Yusoff, ADVANCE VERTEX RACING, 17’49: 446s3. M. Norhakim Norhafizullah, TAKONG RACING, 17’49:592s4. Danial Johan, HOCK LIONG MOTOR RACING, 17’49:642s5. Muhd Fareez Afeez A. Rahman, SINGDECA RACING, 17’49:730s#msbk #sepangcircuit #motorBugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs updated their status.

2 weeks ago

MotorBugs
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs

4 weeks ago

MotorBugs
Eyes candy at @muttmotorcycles.sg A home away from home. Great people sharing the same passion.#motorBugs #muttmotorcycles_sg #muttmotorcycles #instamotorcycle #InstaBikes ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Recent Motorbugs News

  • FIA World Rally Championship: Secto Rally Finland – Ott Tänak resists Kalle Rovanperä’s Saturday charge.
  • FIA World Rally Championship: Secto Rally Finland – Ott Tänak clings onto slender lead as Lappi ups tempo.
  • Super excitement as super Suzuka returns to EWC schedule.
  • WorldSBK: Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) wins three-way battle in Most.
  • WorldSSP: Lorenzo Baldassarri (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) made it two wins out of two at the Autodrom Most.
Copyright © 2020 Motorbugs
Web Solutions by Phlocode Web Solutions
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Leon CUPRA, the most powerful model in SEAT history, will be the Official Safety... FIA World Rally Championship roars into town made famous in 007 movie ‘Sp...
Scroll to top