A1GP tops 250,000km on Cooper rubber

The A1 Grand Prix series has now covered more than 250,000 racing kilometres on Cooper rubber, following the latest round in Durban, South Africa on February 23.

Cooper Tire has been the sole supplier to the A1GP series since it was conceived by Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum. It is now three quarters of the way through its second full season.

Cooper’s slick and wet weather race tyres are designed especially for the 550bhp single-seaters, running at up to 120 degrees Celsius during races.

At such high temperatures, the distinctive blend of the 370/660R13 tyres, fitted to 16-inch wheels, becomes incredibly tacky, allowing it to bear the brunt of the A1 car’s enormous torque, lots of throttle action and a lack of driver aids, such as traction control.

The operation run by Cooper Tire to supply the series is considerable, with a team of eight personnel attending every race around the world, headed by veteran Avon Tyres Motorsport Operations Manager, Roger Leworthy.

This year’s season finale is on April 29 at Brands Hatch, Kent.