The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of precipitated silica which can be used as a reinforcing filler for elastomers. The invention also relates to novel precipitated silicas in the form of powder, granules or, preferably, substantially spherical beads, these silicas being characterized in that they have a BET specific surface of between 185 and 250 m2/g, a CTAB specific surface of between 180 and 240 m2/g, and a pore distribution such that the pore volume V2 made up of the pores with a diameter of between 175 and 275 Å represents less than 50% of the pore volume V1 made up of the pores with diameters of less than or equal to 400 Å, a pore volume (Vd1), made up of the pores with a diameter of less than 1 μm, of greater than 1.65 cm3/g, a fineness value (F.V.) of between 70 and 100 Å, and a content of fines (τf), after deagglomerability with ultrasound, of at least 50%.