When the contis are fresh (about the first two weeks), they grip nearly as good as the R888Rs from a dig. Merely chirp going into 2nd on a no-lift wot shift. They are far superior to the Pirelli's up until they are worn (at which point no tire excels). However, while others say they are great in the wet I still have to be super careful in the wet with them--I personally think they get rather slippery despite being A/S rated. But, I haven't tried many others in the wet to compare--maybe they really are much better than others.
(I'm running their 315/35s on the rear)
As for traction with the fronts, I've never road coursed so couldn't say how they compare.