Next month's third round of the WRC season, the Cyprus Rally, will be the only mixed-surface event held this year. Friday's stages will take place on asphalt, while Saturday's and Sunday's will feature the traditional gravel runs.

In an effort to reduce costs only one type of tyre may be used during the event, and logic dictated that the gravel option takes precedence. There were some worries regarding the gravel tyre's ability to withstand the wear of racing upon heated tarmac, therefore tests were ordered to determine the durability of the hard compound.

Citroen tested Pirelli's Scorpion gravel tyre earlier this month in Spain, and Ford did the same in Sardinia recently.

"Splitting the tests worked better for us because we had the possibility to test in two different environments," explained Mario Isola, the Italian manufacturer's tyre manager. "In Spain we had a twisty and abrasive road while in Sardinia we decided to use a faster road with long corners and smoother tarmac."

Both teams were satisfied that Pirelli's offering would withstand the stress of racing upon the 135 kilometres of asphalt roads making up the opening day of the Cyprus Rally, although some careful doubts remained.

"The general feeling from the drivers was not so bad, although obviously they slide more than with the tarmac tyres," Isola reported. "We were worried about the possibility of blistering but it didn't happen."

Although Pirelli believes the gravel tyres will last the distance on tarmac, as a precautionary measure drivers will be offered an extra pair of tyres following the completion of Friday's 30km stages, SS1 and SS4.

"We agreed with the FIA to give them four extra tyres for the first day," Isola elaborated. "We will send two tyres for each car."

"If they want they can give us two used tyres and we give them two new ones," he continued. "This way, if they carry two spares, they can start the second stage with four new tyres."

Despite the complications arising from using a single tyre option on two very different surfaces, Isola believes the diminished costs are worth the overall effort: "Obviously it's not the best situation for us because we develop tyres for specific surfaces, but this is a compromise in order to help the teams and manufacturers not to transport a lot of spare parts."

"And in these special circumstances we are happy with the results," Isola stated.