Pirelli reveals new control tyres

The Italian firm has tested the new tyre intensively for the last two months, before settling on the tread pattern.

In an effort to cut costs involved with the sport, this tyre will be used on both wet and dry stages on next year's four asphalt rounds of the WRC.

Next year will be the first time WRC cars have run without their anti-deflation mousse systems, meaning the new tyre has to be stronger than ever in an effort to avoid punctures.

"Just like high-performance road car tyres, the new rally tyre moves towards an asymmetric design," a Pirelli spokesman said.

"The external shoulder of the new tyre is wider, giving excellent grip when the car is learning into a corner, while the internal part of the tyre features more prominent grooves.

"These grooves enable the car to work well on wet asphalt, even if there is a risk of aquaplaning."