We recently tested three of Bridgestone's highest performance tires back-to-back on track and road: the Potenza Sport, the new Potenza Race, and the track-focused RE71 RS. Testing was conducted on a Honda Civic SI in temperatures reaching 95°F (35°C).
Track Performance
The Potenza Sport set a baseline lap time of 1:56.7, though lap times dropped off as the tire got hot. There has been mixed messaging from Bridgestone about whether you should use the Sport on track, based on the high wear we would advise against it.
The Potenza Race needed longer to reach optimal temperature, taking until mid-way through lap two to fully come alive. Once warm, it consistently ran 2 seconds faster than the Sport, setting times in the 1:54.2-1:54.5 range. The Race felt more stable and forgiving than the Sport when pushed hard.
The RE71 RS proved quickest of all, taking another 2 seconds off the Race's time with laps in the 1:52.5-1:53.3 range. It warmed up faster than both other tires and showed minimal performance drop-off over multiple laps. The RE71 RS felt most at home on track, with greater stability in corners despite slightly slower steering response.
Road Performance
On the road, the Potenza Sport showed quick, crisp steering response and strong wet grip. Road noise and comfort were good for its category.
The Potenza Race initially felt like it needed more steering input at very low speeds. However, above 30 mph, it became incredibly direct and responsive - perhaps too much so for casual drivers. Despite its track focus, the Race matched the Sport for road noise and nearly matched it for comfort.
The RE71 RS felt less suited to road use, requiring more steering input and running firmer than the other two. However, for a track-focused tire, road manners were surprisingly good, with only mild tread noise.
Size Range and Pricing
Potenza Sport: 16-22 inch, $220 (test size)
Potenza Race: 17-20 inch, $306
RE71 RS: 15-20 inch, $255
The Sport offers the widest size range for general performance use. The Race focuses on premium vehicle sizes, while the RE71 RS covers everything from track day Miatas to high-end sports cars.
1st: Bridgestone Potenza Sport | |||||||||||||
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The Potenza Sport works best as a pure road tire. It offers quick steering response and strong wet grip, matched with good comfort and low noise levels. Its main drawback is track performance, where lap times drop off as the tire gets hot and wear increases. This shouldn't be a problem for road users, but those planning regular track days should look elsewhere. Read Reviews Buy from £113.46 | ||||||||||||
1st: Bridgestone Potenza Race | |||||||||||||
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The Potenza Race delivers a compelling mix of road and track ability. On track, it runs 2 seconds faster than the Sport with more consistent lap times. On the road, it matches the Sport for noise and comfort while offering even sharper handling responses above 30 mph. The main downsides are a higher price point and slightly sluggish feel at very low speeds. Wet performance will likely be reduced compared to the Sport due to less water evacuation capability. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||
1st: Bridgestone Potenza RE 71RS | |||||||||||||
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The RE71 RS is the fastest track tire of the group, running another 2 seconds quicker than the Race. It warms up quickly and maintains consistent lap times. Despite being branded as track-only, it works surprisingly well on the road with acceptable noise levels. The negatives include heavier steering weight, firmer ride quality, and reduced wet performance due to minimal water evacuation channels. It's the heaviest tire of the three, with a more rigid construction focused on track performance. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||
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