Michelin Pilot Sport S5: The Ultimate Wet-Weather Trackday tyre, testing on 991 GT3 RS
We have recently been putting the recently released Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tyres through their paces, and the results have been nothing short of impressive. To really explore their potential, we fitted a set to our 991.1 GT3 RS MR and subjected them to rigorous track testing. Michelin and Manthey have worked together to fettle the Pilot Sport S5 to set a new benchmark in all-weather performance for the 992 GT3 RS. We have taken these tyres and tested them on our 991.1 GT3 RS to see if they are a viable wet-weather track day tyre option. From our experience so far, they have absolutely delivered on that potential!
Fitting the Pilot Sport S5 to the 991 GT3 RS
Currently, the Pilot Sport S5 is available for the 992 GT3 RS, but not in a size specific to the 991 RS . The 991 GT3 RS does not have an ‘N’ rated (Porsche approved), wet weather tyre option so this has the potential to be a game changer. Not wanting owners of 991 RS’s to miss out on these tyres and the performance they have to offer, we have developed a solution in-house. Although the section widths of the tyre are 325 and 275 rather than 315 and 265, the side wall profile is such that there is very little difference is stack heights. So working with our bespoke 991.1 RS geometry setup and undertaking a couple of tweaks, we were able to run the S5’s on the standard 991 RS wheels. This means owners can now access the grip, stability, and confidence that these tyres provide without a dedicated size release.
To achieve this fitment, a bespoke alignment and setup were required to create the clearance necessary for the marginally larger tyre footprint. After testing across road and circuit environments, we’ve found this setup strikes a strong balance, offering the same precision and feedback that 991 RS owners expect but utilising the larger tyre. At full steering lock, there is minor fouling with the arch liner, but this is only relevant at slow manoeuvring speeds and has no impact during track driving. However, this is why we are only recommending the pilot sport S5’s to be used for track on a 991 RS as it is in these conditions that we see no drawbacks.
Whether it be a second set of track wheels for your GT3 RS that can permanently run the S5 wet weather option, or putting the S5’s onto your existing 991 wheel set, we can help to support you and make sure that you’re getting the absolute best out of every trackday experience, no matter the weather. Additionally, we are now offering a wheel ‘hotel’ service if you find yourself short of space to keep your extra wheel sets. Please get in contact with us if you are interested in storage for your Porsche wheels!
Darren our commercial director, heads up the trackday side of the business. He and our senior technicians have undertaken the testing programme on these tyres. With the conclusion being that “The S5 tyre is a notable step on from the 4S in terms of steering response, lateral grip and wet weather performance. The combination of compounds gives an excellent balance of performance and wear resistance on dry tracks too. So, it offers a very viable option when the forecast is mixed. Running this tyre on the wet weather track wheels allows us to run the ultimate dry weather Cup 2R tyre on the main wheel set. Genuinely giving the best of both worlds”
In short, the Michelin Pilot Sport S5 is a genuine leap forward in performance tyre technology, and with a little tweak, the 991 GT3 RS owners can now join 992 RS drivers in taking advantage of everything the tyre has to offer. If you’d like to learn more about this setup or have the tyres fitted to your own RS, get in touch with our team today!
INTERESTED IN A SET OF PILOT SPORT S5s FOR YOUR GT3 RS?
Get in touch with our workshop team to discuss fitting the new Pilot Sport S5’s to your Porsche (available for supply as well as supply+fitment)
