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Bridgestone Potenza Race

The Potenza Race is a new track tire from Bridgestone developed with outright dry lapatimes and longevity in mind. According to an independant TUV report, the new Potenza Race is faster around Nardo than the three main competitors from Michelin, Pirelli and Goodyear, while offering almost the best wear.

8.7
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
Limited Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
96%
Wet Grip
73%
Road Feedback
93%
Handling
94%
Wear
60%
Comfort
75%
Buy again
80%
8 Reviews
81% Average
25,500 miles driven
2 Tests (avg: 1st)
Bridgestone Potenza Race

Bridgestone Potenza Race

Summer Premium
BETA
8.7 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · Limited Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tire Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tire scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Wet
93.2
2x / 2 tests
Dry
70.5
1.8x / 3 tests

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Handling
81.7
3 tests
Braking
78.4
2 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 2
Publications: 2
Period: 2022 - 2023
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 8
Avg Rating: 81.5%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.35
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tire tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Potenza Race vs RE-71RS Tire Reviews 2023 235/40 R18 1/3 1 metrics
2022 Track Day Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2022 235/35 R19 1/6 4 metrics

Videos

Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Potenza Race vs RE-71RS

Bridgestone Potenza Sport vs Potenza Race vs RE-71RS

2
Tests
1st
Average
1st
Best
1st
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
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.
2022 Track Day Tire Test
235/35 R19 • 2022
1st/6
Size Fuel Wet Noise
18 inch
255/35R18 94 Y XL D C 70
265/35R18 97 Y XL D C 70
245/40R18 97 Y XL D C 70
235/40R18 95 Y XL D C 70
19 inch
235/35R19 91 Y XL D B 67
235/35R19 91 Y XL D B 67
235/35R19 91 Y XL D B 69
235/35R19 91 Y XL D B 69
265/35R19 98 Y XL D C 70
255/35R19 96 Y XL D C 70
235/35R19 91 Y XL D C 70
245/35R19 93 Y XL D C 70
20 inch
255/35R20 97 Y XL D C 71
245/35R20 95 Y XL D C 70
265/35R20 99 Y XL D C 70
305/30R20 103 Y XL D D 72
245/35R20 95 Y XL D C 70
21 inch
325/30R21 108 Y XL C D 73
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Bridgestone Potenza Race >>

Questions and Answers for the Bridgestone Potenza Race

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June 13, 2022

The tire fitted to the vehicle has an additional longitudinal groove in the outer part of the tread. This is not shown in the other images. Was this hand cut?

It's not unusual for different tire widths to have extra grooves, so it's likely your Bridgestone Potenza Race is just a different width from the stock images.
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Review Summary

Based on 8 user reviews

Drivers rate the Bridgestone Potenza Race highly for outstanding dry grip and track pace, precise/reactive steering, and surprising daily usability with good comfort and low noise. Several reviewers also report competent to excellent wet grip for a 200TW track-focused tire. The main drawback noted by a minority is accelerated wear, especially with hard track use. Overall sentiment is strongly positive with performance outweighing durability concerns for most users.

Strengths
  • Dry grip and track performance
  • Steering precision and feedback
  • Wet grip for a 200tw tire
  • Ride comfort and low noise
  • Daily usability
Areas for Improvement
  • Rapid wear/short tread life under track use

Top 3 Bridgestone Potenza Race Reviews

Given 70% while driving a Honda Civic Type R FK2 (235/35 R18) on track for 500 spirited miles
I used them mostly on track, a little while on street too. Reason for the short use-time is that the 2 on the front run off of life in 2 trackdays, which is a negative record for me. Used 2 sets of Goodyear F1 Supersport R's before these, they were TW80, these are TW200, however the GY's lasted much longer.

Overall, they kept up very well and I really liked the grip they gave the car but wouldn't buy again because of the high wear rate.
April 30, 2025
Given 77% while driving a BMW 123d (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 5,000 spirited miles
Grip very well, maybe a bit better than cup2 (friend had them on i20n and I was just a bit faster on some corners, also drove a lot together on Pilot sport 5, so we can compare the cars and tires). I also had cup2 so I can just slightly see the difference maybe. Wet grip excelent no complaints its like a normal street tire. Cannot hear them and they dont feel harsh.
Only thing that is bad is wear. I only got 5000km out of them (cup2 11000km) but i was pushing a lot more than on michelins. Michelins also come with a bit more tread. For 700€ a set, it is too expensive to change them this often. Cup2 were 570€.
Potenzas come with 5,5mm.
July 30, 2024
Given 81% while driving a Honda Civic Type R (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 4,500 spirited miles
I purchased the Potenza Race since i couldn't find the 595RS-RR, and i don't regret it
They are mounted on 17*9 rims, due to some low tire pressure 1.8 front and rear, i had the front tire wear the sidewall too much compare to the inside, the grip is enormous with the right tire pressure, the road feedback too, you know what the tire want to do
In the rain it was mindblowing, the wet grip was like 85% of the dry grip, with the same feedback
The only downside is that there is no 245 in 17"
September 8, 2024

How would you rate the Bridgestone Potenza Race?

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Latest Bridgestone Potenza Race Reviews

Given 80% while driving a Toyota GR86 (225/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 2,500 average miles
I bought this set of Potenza Race as a dedicated track tire, discounted due to being 2 year old production. I ended up putting a few thousand miles onto them this year mostly on the street. I was most surprised by how comfortable they were for being such a hard-carcassed tire. The only issue I had with them for day to day driving was stone pickup.

The most interesting characteristic is that they start out a little numb in terms of steering feel, but the harder you push them the better they feel. Getting to the limit, they are confidence inspiring. It's like they're not meant to be worked at less than 7 tenths, which makes sense considering it's a 200TW track tire.

I only used them in the rain a few times and they were fine, but I didn't push them in the wet. That couple thousand road miles doesn't seem to have worn them all all, so I'm banking on getting at least 3 track weekends on them in 2026.
December 6, 2025
Given 86% while driving a Mitsubishi (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 3,500 spirited miles
Amazing tire in all conditions, except wet!
October 18, 2023
Given 87% while driving a Toyota GR86 (225/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 1,500 spirited miles
I really enjoy the Potenza Race on my GR86. As you say, great reactive steering, not too noisy and they go around the track very well! I was going to use the OEM PS4 for street use but I hate how soft they feel so I run the Potenza Race on street too and they work great. Of course in the winter I will switch to proper winter tires. I have not driven extensively in rain but the rain I've driven in didn't cause any issues or felt unsafe.
I do have some wear on the outer shoulders from running on the track, but it might be because I'm running a moderate amount of camber for track use (slightly less than -3 degrees. On a McPherson strut I probably need closer to 4 degrees. But since its mixed usage I think it's going to even out over the life of the tires.)
August 29, 2023
Given 89% while driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 5,000 average miles
It s an amazing tire in all condition!!!
November 20, 2022
Given 84% while driving a BMW 3 series (255/35 R18) on a combination of roads for 3,000 spirited miles
Extremely good competitor of the Michelin cup 2 connect ! Daily usable like the cup but more grip and precision. Grips like a trofeo r, but has a harder sidewall In wet conditions it’s like the Cup 2 which is very good for that amount of grip.
June 5, 2022
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