Race drivers know it well: driving in the rain is tough—no matter what car you’re in.
Porsche understood this and partnered with Michelin to develop tires specifically designed for wet conditions. The goal? To give 911 GT3 RS owners the chance to extend their trackday season and improve handling on wet roads. So, are these tires the new secret weapon for track enthusiasts?
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Michelin Pilot Sport S 5: Designed for wet tracks
Behind these Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires is genuine development work carried out jointly by Porsche and Michelin since 2022. The idea was simple: create tires that maximize grip and deliver more predictable performance in the rain, without compromising the driving feel so dear to GT3 RS owners. The secret to this performance? A richer silica blend, which provides optimal grip even at low temperatures (between 39 and 59°F). The tires have a tread depth of 7.4 mm and feature four large central grooves designed to efficiently evacuate water and reduce aquaplaning. As a result, a GT3 RS equipped with these new tires can tackle wet corners with greater confidence while remaining much faster than models fitted with the traditional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, which are designed mainly for dry conditions.
On the Michelin Development Circuit, a 1.67 mi track, GT3 RS cars fitted with the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 recorded lap times that were 10 seconds faster than with the old tires. That’s huge, especially on such a short circuit—a significant gap that could convince GT3 RS owners to invest in a second set of tires to maximize their track time.
An offering that complements an already extensive lineup
Porsche already offers several tire options for the new GT3 RS, depending on driving conditions. In addition to these new Michelin tires, the lineup includes:
- The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R: ultra high-performance on dry roads but much more sensitive to adverse weather conditions.
- Michelin winter tires: an option for those using their GT3 RS in cold weather, though not really suited for track days.
With the introduction of the Pilot Sport S 5, Porsche is expanding its options by offering an ideal compromise between performance and versatility. And it’s not the only supplier offering solutions for track enthusiasts: Pirelli markets its P Zero Trofeo RS, while Goodyear has developed its own specific tires, the Eagle F1 SuperSport R and RS. What really sets Porsche apart is that these Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires are exclusive to Porsche Centers, ensuring that owners get them installed by the brand’s expert technicians.
An announcement that delights track enthusiasts
This innovation is, above all, a response to the demands of Porsche customers. Andreas Preuninger, GT models director at Porsche, confirmed this approach by stating, “We are responding to the demands of our most discerning customers, who want to drive on the track for longer periods, especially in the spring and fall. These tires significantly extend the usability window of the 911 GT3 RS.” Since trackdays are often weather-dependent, these new tires could appeal to those who don’t want their day ruined by a sudden downpour. Although Porsche has not yet announced the price or exact availability of these tires, one thing is certain: they could well become a must-have for all 911 GT3 RS enthusiasts eager to drive, regardless of the conditions.
This article explores the new range of Michelin tires developed for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, optimized for rainy conditions. By improving grip and stability in the rain, these tires offer an ideal solution for extending the trackday season. In this way, Porsche continues to expand the possibilities for its performance-driven customers, no matter the weather.
Images: © Michelin
