Pirelli takes us on a virtual lap around Valencia

Power Is Nothing Without Control. That was Pirelli's long-serving slogan, most famously accompanying that now iconic poster of Carl Lewis in high heels. And of course, they're right. Just ask any racing driver, and they'll tell you how important tires are to winning a race.

These days, Pirelli serves as the official tire supplier to the entire Formula One grid, creating and deciding which of their compounds will be used at each race weekend. And with the European Grand Prix taking place this weekend at Valencia, the Italian tire company has released an animated lap of the street circuit to show us just how grueling the punishment is on its tires. Follow the jump to check it out, and stay tuned for our race coverage on Sunday.