WhatTyre ranks the top Supersports tyres for the highest performance on the road
The pinnacle of the performance tyre spectrum belongs to the Supersports or ultra-ultra-high performance (UUHP) tyre. While fully road legal, these tyres are meticulously engineered to deliver unparalleled performance on the track. Yet their primary mission is to offer a dynamic and safe driving experience for the world’s most powerful cars, excelling in both wet and dry conditions.
Before revealing this year’s Supersports Tyre of the Year, it’s important to explain our selection process. The Tyrescore begins with an analysis of the EU-mandated tyre label, which includes ratings for wet grip, fuel efficiency (measured via rolling resistance), and external pass-by noise. These letter-based ratings are converted into numerical scores, with greater weight given to wet grip and fuel efficiency, reflecting their higher relevance to most drivers.
However, tyre labels provide only part of the picture. To deliver a more robust evaluation, Tyrescore also incorporates data from thousands of independent European magazine tyre tests. These tests assess a broader range of real-world performance factors – such as braking and handling in both wet and dry conditions, traction, and aquaplaning resistance – providing valuable insights beyond the basic label ratings.
Sustainability is another key component of our evaluation. We monitor each manufacturer’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, consolidating third-party accreditations into a single score that reflects their commitment to sustainable practices. We also award additional points for Original Equipment (OE) homologation, where tyres are approved by vehicle manufacturers for specific models – an endorsement of their quality and reliability.
We focused on three popular UUHP tyre sizes in the UK (245/35 R19. 275/35 R19, and 285/35 R20), all with a Y speed rating. When a tyre scored differently in various sizes, we took the highest score. To qualify, tyres needed a TyreScore of at least eight, or a minimum of seven with a recommendation from a reputable third-party magazine or motoring club test in our database – this requirement nudged out a couple of products we expected to see in this year’s finalists list. We only included tyres tested in or since 2023 and excluded any product explicitly non-recommended in tests during this period.
WhatTyre has spotlighted five Supersports tyres that epitomise excellence in this demanding category.
WhatTyre Supersports Tyre of the Year
The latest P Zero is the 5th generation in a range first launched 40 years ago (Image: Pirelli)
New for 2025, the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 represents the fifth generation of Pirelli’s flagship tyre range, originally launched in 1985. This new iteration builds on decades of motorsport heritage and cutting-edge research to deliver a high-performance tyre that excels in both dry and wet conditions. With an ‘A’ rating for wet grip on the EU tyre label, the PZ5 significantly enhances handling and braking performance, thanks to innovations in tread design and a reengineered contact patch. Pirelli’s use of artificial intelligence and virtual prototyping has allowed its engineers to optimise these elements for both internal combustion and electric vehicles, contributing to improved grip, reduced wear, and shorter braking distances.
Available in over 50 sizes for 18- to 23-inch rims, the PZ5 caters to a wide array of premium and ultra-high-performance vehicles. Most models include Pirelli’s Elect technology, which is tailored for EVs and PHEVs, offering benefits such as lower rolling resistance and reduced cabin noise. The tyre has already been homologated for upcoming models from brands like Lamborghini, Audi, BMW, and Polestar, reinforcing Pirelli’s position as a key OEM partner. The PZ5’s performance has been independently validated in recent tyre tests, where it earned top marks from Tyre Reviews, outperforming top rivals like the Continental SportContact 7 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S in key disciplines including wet grip and braking. This latest evolution solidifies the P Zero as a benchmark in the ultra-ultra-high-performance tyre segment.
Highly Recommended Tyres
P Zero PZ5 faces strong competition in the Supersports segment, and we have given two further tyres our Highly Recommended seal of approval.
Continental SportContact 7 (Photo: Continental)
WhatTyre Supersports Tyre of the Year in 2023 and 2024, the Continental SportContact 7 is a cutting-edge summer tyre designed to elevate driving performance, safety, and confidence to a new level. Engineered for both traditional and electric vehicles, it features an adaptive tread pattern that seamlessly adjusts to changing road conditions, ensuring stable handling and superior grip on both wet and dry surfaces. Its advanced BlackChili compound works in harmony with an extra-stiff pattern to deliver exceptional driving pleasure and durability.
Tailor-made for a wide range of vehicle classes, the SportContact 7 offers the signature SportContact experience across the board. Consistently rated at the top of independent tyre tests – including first place in both the 2025 Auto Bild Sports Cars and ADAC Summer Tyre Tests – it stands out for its class-leading braking performance, excellent feedback, and environmental efficiency, making it a top-tier choice for performance-focused drivers.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is a premium fifth-generation summer sport tyre designed to elevate your driving experience with a blend of performance, longevity, and style. Available in 66 sizes, it delivers responsive handling and precise steering thanks to Michelin’s Dynamic Response Technology, while the MaxTouch Construction ensures even wear for extended tread life. On both wet and dry roads, the tyre’s Dual Sport Tread Design provides confident grip and braking, with excellent aquaplaning resistance.
Its standout performance in independent 2025 tyre tests – earning joint 1st in Auto Bild for dynamic handling, and a top three finish in ADAC for braking and environmental impact -demonstrates its balanced excellence. With a sleek Premium Touch Sidewall and built-in Wear2check indicator, the Pilot Sport 5 combines cutting-edge performance with refined aesthetics, making it a top choice for drivers who demand durability, control, and style in every mile.
Our 2025 finalists
The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 is a high-performance summer tyre designed to deliver enhanced cornering grip and precise steering, especially on wet and dry roads. Its large shoulder blocks increase rubber-to-road contact, boosting grip during turns, while ultra-stiff breaker cords improve steering accuracy by reducing cord diameter and lowering them closer to the road. Additionally, the Short Braking Block 2 design enhances block rigidity for shorter braking distances at high speeds.
In the 2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test, the Dunlop tyre ranked 9th out of 18 tyres, earning a “good” rating for driving safety thanks to stable handling and effective braking on both dry and wet surfaces, although environmental performance was only satisfactory due to limited mileage and abrasion resistance. Similarly, in the 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test, where it also placed 9th (of 21), it stood out with the best aquaplaning resistance and offered nearly 40,000 kilometres of mileage, though it showed slight understeer in wet conditions. Overall, the Sport Maxx RT2 combines sporty handling, strong wet weather performance, and comfort, making it a well-balanced option for spirited driving.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport has won many original equipment deals with marques such as Audi (Photo: Bridgestone)
The Bridgestone Potenza Sport, launched in 2021 as the successor to the Potenza S001, represents the pinnacle of Bridgestone’s high-performance road tyre lineup. Quickly earning acclaim, it secured podium finishes in every major test it entered during its debut year and has since become original equipment for high-end marques like BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. Engineered for exceptional stability and precision, it features an asymmetrical tread design, new reinforcement technology, and an optimized carcass that enhance control and steering response. Bridgestone’s innovative compound and sporty profile shape deliver class-leading dry braking and handling, while its EU Label Grade A wet grip rating underscores its dominance in wet performance, confirmed by TÜV SÜD’s independent testing.
In recent 2025 tyre tests, including Autozeitung and Auto Bild, the Potenza Sport impressed with shortest dry braking distances, outstanding slalom speed, and dynamic handling—earning 3rd place among tough competition. Although it trades off some ride comfort and tread wear for pure performance, its blend of grip, precision, and value makes it a top choice for driving enthusiasts.
