Burton Upon Trent, April 9, 2012 – On Saturday 14 April, Silverstone will host the opening round of the 2012 MINI Challenge: a highly competitive single-make series that will use renowned Italian firm Pirelli as the championship’s sole tyre supplier for the first time.Entering its 11th year, the MINI Challenge has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious one-make championships in the UK, and is increasingly seen as a training ground for motorsport’s future stars. This year’s calendar will consist of 20 races at seven events, with a typical race weekend consisting of one qualifying session and three 20-minute races.Run by Total Track, this year’s MINI Challenge will test a healthy field of MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S race cars over two classes: the John Cooper Works (JCW) class and the Club class.MINI parent company BMW has also come on board with the championship to provide technical support via its UK-based Hams Hall engine plant. Headlining the field is the 220bhp R56 JCW cars. Powered by a 1.6litre turbocharged BMW engine, the R56 is the ultimate hot MINI. For the first time, Pirelli will supply control tyres to the series, bringing a wealth of knowledge from Formula One, rallying and other motorsport activities to the table. Pirelli will offer drivers ultimate grip and handling by providing the JCW class with both slick and wet options: the 225/625-17 DH slick and 225/625-17 WS wet tyre. The Club class has only one type of tyre at every race: an intermediate tyre that is suitable across a range of different conditions. Carl Naylor, Pirelli Tyre UK motorsport manager, said: “We tested the slick tyres earlier this year and were very happy with their performance and durability. As for the Club class, we have selected an intermediate control tyre with a harder compound than you would usually expect. It is ideal for the grip and speed required to compete in the series, but will also be suited to wet conditions. Pirelli will offer a fitting service and technical support at every round, and we look forward to what is expected to be a highly competitive and exciting season ahead.” Series promoter Paul Harvey said: “With new Pirelli tyres for 2012, the form book could be torn up. In one-make racing, understanding tyre performance is usually the edge the teams look for, and it will be interesting to see who makes the best of their new Pirelli rubber.”