I run Dark side and I currently have a Pilot Road 3 in that size on the front.
Steering is a bit slower but very solid feel overall, and it gives much better steering with a DS in back.
I had run it backwards, but it was too squirrely in fast turns so I have it running the other way round, no problems.
The idea running backwards is rear tires run in front can't handle the braking force unless they are run backwards.
I have Pretech 6 pots and Galfer wave rotors and have had no problems slamming it down hard.
I have a Road 5 in the garage ready to replace the Road 3 ;-)