Is the Vitour Tempesta P1 Worth It? Our Review After a GRIDLIFE Track Weekend

When a new ultra-high-performance tire hits the scene at a budget price, it usually comes with a heavy dose of skepticism. But after a full weekend of GRIDLIFE track abuse, it turns out the Vitour Tempesta P1 might just be the 200TW underdog we’ve all been waiting for. With performance that rivals top-tier options like the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, this tire is making waves (and turning heads) for all the right reasons.

We sent our guy Lars out to run the Vitour P1s in the real-world at GRIDLIFE, high-pressure time attack sessions to see if they lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert: they kinda slapped.

Grip Right Out of the Gate

One of the biggest surprises with the Vitour P1 was how quickly it came alive. Lars noted that after just scrubbing off the initial release grease, the tires had grip, cold, hot, and everything in between. For track days and time attack drivers, that kind of immediate consistency can mean the difference between a decent lap and a personal best.

“Once the grease was off, the tire grabbed when cold, hot, and everywhere in between.” – Lars

Whether you’re on your warm-up lap or mid-stint, the Vitour P1 stays locked in. There’s no weird heat cycling issues and no unpredictable transitions.

Silent but Deadly (Literally No Screech)

Here’s the weirdest (and kinda coolest) part: the Vitour P1 doesn’t scream when it’s pushed. Some tires start howling before they even let go, giving you drama before the slide. Not these. Lars mentioned they were eerily quiet even at the limit.

“The Vitours never made a sound… I don’t know if I was too gentle or if they’re just that quiet, but I’ve never experienced that before and I really enjoyed it.” – Lars

It’s the kind of quiet confidence that gives you a more connected feel especially if you’re not trying to sound like a banshee flying through every corner.

Takes a Beating and Asks for More

Heat? Not a problem. Grip drop-off? Barely noticeable. Lars consistently pushed the P1s in 20-minute sessions and found the tires held strong throughout, melting tread and all. The tire heats up quickly, stays hot, and stays grippy, which is impressive even when compared to well-established competitors in the 200TW category.

“There was no noticeable drop-off in performance after a hard push session.” – Lars

That’s critical for drivers chasing lap times who don’t have 3-4 sessions to slowly build up trust in their setup.

Grip That Rivals the Big Names

If you’ve taken even a quick glance at the Vitour P1’s tread pattern, you might get a strong sense of deja vu. The layout bears an uncanny resemblance to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, one of the most respected 200TW tires in the game. And according to Lars, the overall grip level felt comparable to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 which is a serious claim, considering Michelin’s pedigree. But the kicker was how predictable and forgiving the grip felt, which makes it even easier to push the car toward its limits without worrying about sudden drop-offs.

“These are easily comparable to Michelins and even exceed them in some ways.” – Lars

For a tire that’s significantly cheaper, that kind of performance should have a lot of grassroots racers paying attention.

What About Longevity?

There’s one area that’s still a question mark: lifespan. The P1’s tread starts out narrow, and if you’re planning to daily these, you’ll want to keep a close eye on wear. Lars mentioned he wasn’t sure if they’d last a full season like the Michelins do.

“If you’re looking to have these on anything other than a competition car, then you’ll want to watch the wear.” – Lars

So while the Vitour P1 may not be your ideal daily + track tire just yet, it’s shaping up to be a killer option for drivers who prioritize track-day grip above all else.

Final Thoughts: The Vitour P1 Might Be the Real Deal

If you’re looking for a high-performance, track-focused 200TW tire that won’t break the bank, the Vitour P1 absolutely deserves a look. From rapid heat-up times to silent grip and confidence-inspiring handling, it delivers serious bang for your buck. And while we’re still waiting to see how they hold up long-term, the initial results are seriously impressive.

Whether you’re a time attacker, weekend warrior, or someone trying to get the most out of their budget build, the Vitour P1 might just be the best tire you’ve never heard of until now.