After closing a record-breaking year with multiple victories and podium places across all its product families and for its Cyber Tyre technology, Pirelli has opened 2026 with outstanding results for the new generation of its summer Cinturato. Launched in 2025, the tyre for premium sedans and CUVs has proven to be a benchmark for safety, dry and wet performance, longevity, and balanced dynamic behavior. The new Pirelli Cinturato, which had already collected 2 wins last year, secured another 2 outright victories and 3 podiums in the first two months of 2026 in 6 comparative tests organized by specialized magazines and independent European organizations. The Cinturato achieved two first place finishes in the tests conducted by Tyre Reviews and Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD), in addition to top positions in the comparative tests by Europe’s largest automobile club, ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), the German magazine Auto Zeitung, and the Swedish magazine Vi Bilägare, as well as being rated “exemplary” by Auto Bild.
Tyre Reviews says Cinturato a benchmark for control
In Tyre Reviews’ The BEST Summer Tyres for 2026” comparative test, the Cinturato achieved joint first place, standing out for delivering the best dry braking performance among all tested tyres. The review described it as “the best summer tyre of 2026,” highlighting its optimal dynamic balance and precise steering response, which provide the driver with a strong sense of control. The publication also emphasized the excellent wet performance, where the Cinturato consistently ranked at the top, confirming its all-round capabilities.
For AvD: “excellent” safety on many surfaces
The Cinturato triumphed in the summer test conducted by Automobilclub von Deutschland in size 215/55 R17, with its performance rated as “excellent,” particularly in safety-related categories. The tyre recorded the best test results for dry braking and lateral aquaplaning resistance, demonstrating superior stability even in adverse weather conditions and ideal balance across the various testing disciplines.
International podium places: ADAC, Auto Zeitung and Vi Bilägare
The Cinturato’s technological value was further confirmed by tests conducted by ADAC in size 225/50 R17, where it secured second place with a “Highly Recommended” rating. In this test, in addition to safe driving performance on both wet and dry surfaces and highly balanced handling, the tyre’s efficiency was recognized thanks to its higher durability compared to other products ensured by its high wear-resistant compound and reduced environmental impact. Auto Zeitung also awarded the Cinturato a podium position in size 235/45 R18, describing it as “a tyre without weaknesses,” extremely safe in handling and capable of delivering convincing mileage performance. Meanwhile, the Swedish magazine Vi Bilägare placed the Pirelli product second on the podium in size 205/55 R16, praising its agile character, cornering precision and short braking distances.
“Exemplary” according to Auto Bild
Rounding off this outstanding start to the season was the result achieved in Auto Bild’s major test in size 245/45 R19. After a qualification phase in which the Cinturato ranked among the best performers in braking distance out of a field of 50 candidates, the tyre confirmed its capabilities in the final evaluations. Testers highlighted its balanced handling and precise steering, particularly on wet surfaces, with very high levels of grip and braking performance.
Pirelli’s summer range
In addition to the new Cinturato, Pirelli’s summer product range was renewed over the past year with the introduction of the fifth generation of the P Zero — the sports car tyre par excellence — and the third generation of Scorpion, the latest evolution of the tyre dedicated to SUVs, designed to deliver safety, comfort and long-lasting performance.