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The overall scores below are calculated using our weighting system. Since the original publication may use a different scoring methodology that wasn't shared, these results may differ from their published rankings. You can adjust the weightings below to explore how different priorities affect the results.
Test Results Data
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Good
Average
Below Average
Cells are colour-coded from green (best) to red (worst). The Total Score reflects the weighted sum of all categories. A ★ marks the best tyre in each test.
| # | Tyre | Total Score | Dry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handling s | % | |||
| 1 | BFGoodrich G Force Rival S 1.5 | 100% | 87.94 ★ | 100% |
| 2 | Falken Azenis RT660 | 99.3% | 88.53 2 | 99.3% |
| 3 | Yokohama Advan A052 | 98.5% | 89.3 3 | 98.5% |
| 4 | Hankook Ventus RS4 | 98.1% | 89.63 | 98.1% |
| 5 | Dunlop Direzza ZIII | 98% | 89.73 | 98% |
| 6 | Kumho Ecsta V730 | 97.9% | 89.8 | 97.9% |
| 7 | Maxxis Victra VR1 | 96.7% | 90.95 | 96.7% |
| 8 | Cooper RS3 RS | 96.6% | 91.06 | 96.6% |
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Not every driver has the same priorities. Adjust the category weightings above to re-rank the tyres based on what matters most to your driving style.
Scores are colour-coded from red (weakest) through yellow to green (strongest) to help you quickly spot each tyre's strengths and weaknesses.
The original test ranking is shown in the # column. Arrows indicate how each tyre moves when your custom weighting is applied.
I have driven the BF Goodrich extensively on my 2003 Miata (Konig Helium wheels, Koni yellows, Racing Beat front bar) in both SCCA E-Street Solo, track days at Road Atlanta and Barber Motorsports Park, plus regular road trips. I have run the Azeenis RT660 down to the cords on my 2016 Audi A6 Quattro at both Road Atlanta and Barber, as well as on my brothers 2016 Cayman S at Barber. In fact, I ran the Miata and the Cayman back-to-back at Barber with Chin Motorsports today, in wet and dry lap sessions. A few weeks ago, three of my buddies and I drove a Spec E36 on the Hankooks for a Lemons race at Barber.
That said, I concur with every thing said about those three tires in this review. They nailed it.
Excellent review.
PS - After returning from warmup laps this past Saturday morning at Road Atlanta, I discovered my BFG Rivals had shed a blister on the LF outside shoulder, exposing the cords. With three track days to go, I borrowed a set of Hoosier SM7's from a Chin instructor who races Spec Miata...... Dear God, Purple Crack is REAL!!! It's like I opened a cheat code.... Seriously, Hoosiers are, practically, cheating. I have done about 2000 laps at Barber an d the Hoosiers were 3 seconds/lap faster than the excellent BFG's.
I need to try those Hoosiers!! :D
Why didn't test Federal RsrPro?
It wasn't a higher priority than the ones we tested, I'll try and include it next time.
Thanks, good job. I appreciate your works
hmmm it seems umbelievable that you haven't tested them yet. The most budget friendly trackday tyres are the federal rsr/rspro and nankang ns-2r. With so much interest globaly they should be tested years ago but no one seems to make them a priority. I wonder why..
I don't actually see much of Federal in the UK, a lot more Nankang.
Do you have any plans for a similar test for tyres available in the UK as these seem to be mainly US based?
I am looking for 225/45R17 track tyres that won't break the bank and may work in the wet for driving to and from a circuit / leave them on for the summer.
I would have gone AD08R but the AD08RS seems to have lost something with the new compound. It's a small size by modern standards, with no UUHP options and experience tells me road tyres like the PS4 or F1 5 will overheat and wear quickly on track with the power and weight of my car.
I could take a punt on a budget brand like Nankang or Federal but would kick myself if they weren't up to scratch and feel I should have saved up a bit and gone for the R888 or Cup 2.
Cheers
Yes, hopefully next year! Unfortunately I've not got around to it yet
Great stuff, love the reviews and info. Thanks
What vehicle, and will you have second wheels just for the track?
Cheers for the quick response!
It's an old Audi S2 from the mid 90s, ironically a contemporary of the test car used above. Quite heavy, 4wd, over 400bhp... which is fun but hard on tyres.
I've used dedicated track tyres in the past and always drive to and from the track - due to limited interior space - though that's always a gamble with the British weather as semi slicks and rain don't really mix!
Ideally, I'd get some AD08R but they're all old stock now.
I think NS2R or 595RSR may be worth a go but only if they're significantly cheaper than Cup2s.
Cheers
Agreed, though I might be tempted to try the AR1 if available!